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Just yesterday, Toyota released a safety advisory on their floor mats. There is potential for an accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position because of an incompatible or unsecured driver’s floor mat. A mat can become unsecured from a driver going at a high rate of speed which could make it difficult to stop the car. This can then lead to a crash causing serious injury or even death.

The safety advisory said that Toyota is asking owners of Toyota and Lexus models to take out any removable driver’s floor mat. Toyota also advices these owners to not replace it with any other type of floor mat. The following models are the ones who are affected:

  • 2007-2010 Tundra
  • 2007-2010 Camry
  • 2005-2010 Tacoma
  • 2005-2010 Avalon
  • 2004-2009 Prius

Here are some direct recommendations Toyota is making:

“Should the vehicle continue to accelerate rapidly after releasing the accelerator pedal, this could be an indication of floor mat interference. If this occurs, Toyota recommends the driver take the following actions:

First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle.

If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do NOT pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.

Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.

If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF, or to ACC. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.

-If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.

-If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.”

If you have any questions, please call Toyota Customer Experience Center at 800-331-4331.

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