13 Crashes and 5 Deaths Force Toyota to Recall

By Meghan Vosberg

Toyota announced yesterday that they will be having their largest floor-mat recall. Toyota and Lexus owners have been advised to remove their driver's side floor mat to prevent the accelerator from sticking.

3.8 million vehicles have been affected, which details show to be Toyota's largest recall ever. Until given further notice, Toyota and Lexus owners should take out their driver's side floor mat to keep the unwanted and unsafe accelerating from continuing.

The majority of the models that are affected have start-stop buttons. This sounds like a safe solution, but the problem is the button does not turn off the engine unless pushed down for three seconds. This is a serious problem with issues like a stuck accelerator.

The recall was brought about by a reported crash in San Diego. An off-duty highway patrolman and his family was killed. Since this particular incident, the floor-mat and the sticking accelerator issue has been one of high importance.

According to the government, these events have been reported 102 times, in which there were 13 crashes, 3, deaths and 17 injuries. Toyota states that these reports have been announced since 2004.

(Photo Credited: David Neubert)