Toyota recalls another 2.3 million vehicles
23 Jan 2010
Toyota Motor Corp on Thursday launched a major new recall of its vehicles on safety concerns related to a defect affecting 2.3 million of its vehicles, including recent models of its popular Camry and Corolla sedans.
The recall comes in the wake of several reports of a mechanical problem involving sticking gas pedals that cause vehicles to accelerate unintentionally.
Most of the vehicles targeted by the new recall were also included in a separate recall of 4.3 million vehicles late last year involving floor mats that could jam the accelerator pedal.
With the latest recall, the carmaker has for the first time, acknowledged that a mechanical problem could cause the vehicles to accelerate out of control.
According to safety experts who have researched motorists' claims, Toyota has in the past, blamed floor mats for the problem.
According to reports in The Times, at least 19 people have been killed in the US, in accidents involving runaway Toyota and Lexus vehicles. This figure is higher than that for all other manufacturers combined. The Times also reports that the acceleration problem in Toyota and Lexus vehicles increased significantly with the automaker installing electronic throttle controls.
