Toyota Accelerator Problems Result in Class Action Lawsuit
Published: November 9th, 2009 • Comments: 156
Two drivers in California have filed a class action lawsuit against Toyota Motor Corp. over design defects that may have caused over 2,000 Lexus and Toyota cars to suddenly accelerate out of control. The problem has reportedly resulted in at least 16 deaths and 243 other injuries attributed to sudden acceleration of Toyota or Lexus vehicles.
The Toyota class action lawsuit was filed by Seong Bae Choi and Chris Chan Park of Los Angeles in Riverside County Superior Court last Thursday. Choi is the owner of a 2004 Camry, and Park is the owner of a 2008 FJ Cruiser. Both say they, like other Toyota and Lexus owners, experienced sudden acceleration problems.
The complaint comes after a Lexus and Toyota recall issued on September 30, involving 3.8 million vehicles. Toyota claimed that the vehicles could experience sudden acceleration due to defective driver’s side floor mats, which can cause the accelerator to stick. However, the new class action lawsuit alleges that Toyota has failed to correct an issue with the throttle control system, indicating that the floor mats are not the only cause of the Toyota accelerator problems.
Choi and Park allege that some of the blame for the sudden acceleration involves the electronic throttle control system, known as the ETCS-i. They say that the original design for the system included a safety feature that would have put the engine into idle mode in case of unintended acceleration. However, the company allegedly decided to sell the vehicles without the feature in 2001.
The lawsuit, which seeks class action status for all owners of affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles, calls for a recall of all models with the defective ETCS-i.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) previously rejected a similar request by some vehicle owners to investigate the system, according to a report by Bloomberg News. In a federal register notice published on October 30, NHTSA officials said that the only defect that accounted for the acceleration problems with Toyota and Lexus vehicles were the floor mats being out of position or inappropriately installed.
Investigators from the NHTSA began investigating reports of sudden acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles in 2007. In addition to causing uncontrolled acceleration, when the gas pedal was jammed under the mat, investigations found that it also reduced the effectiveness of the vacuum power assisted brakes. The reduced effectiveness of the brakes increased stopping distance from 200 feet to more than 1,000 feet, and increased the amount of force required to fully apply the brakes from 30 pounds to 150 pounds.
The September Toyota and Lexus recall involved more than 3.8 million vehicles, including 2004-2009 Toyota Prius, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon, 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Camry, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra, 2006-2010 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350, and 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350 models. Owners have been told to remove the driver’s side floor mats until a permanent fix can be found.
The recall was prompted by a high-profile accident in California, which killed an off-duty state trooper and three family members in August. Investigators determined that the fatal crash occurred after the gas pedal on a Lexus ES 350 became caught on the edge of the floor mat, causing the Lexus to accelerate to 120 m.p.h. before falling off an embankment, rolling over multiple times and bursting into flames.
Minutes before the accident, passengers in vehicle called police and reported that the Lexus was accelerating out of control, and witnesses reported that the car’s tires were on fire, which was likely caused by the driver slamming on the brakes.
Comment by Earl on 9 November 2009:
I have a 2008 Lexus ES 350. Is it safe to drive?
Comment by MARGARET on 9 November 2009:
I have also had an acceleration problem with my 2010 Toyota Corolla S which resulted in me accelerating uncontrollably and losing my breaking function. I was lucky that I was on a major highway and that I had the sense of mind to try putting the car into neutral which stopped the acceleration and also gave me back my breaks. I was told initially that my after-market floor mats may have been the cause but after a phone call to Toyota customer service the dealer then re nicked to say that there was no foundation to say that the floor mat was to blame and that they had never heard of anyone else having this problem that they were aware of. I now know (almost 2 weeks after the incident) that this is simply not true. The dealership did check the car over and ran diagnostics and found there to be no reason for the problem. I am nervous about driving my car now…always checking to see if my speedometer is increasing.
Comment by fyi on 9 November 2009:
How could Toyota/Lexus not include this simple safety override into their “drive-by-wire” system (when the Germans certainly did)…..?!
And how could any such system be officially approved and certified without it by any manufacturer…..?
Smart Gas Pedals May Solve Floor-Mat Problem
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/smart-gas-pedals-may-solve-floor-mat-problem/
Comment by Connie on 9 November 2009:
On July 30, 2007, My Mother was driving away from a relatives house in her 2005 Lexus. She went around the corner a half of a block and stopped a the corner (with the stop sign). She was attempting to turn right slowly then, the motor jerked and gunned itself, the steering wheel straighten and the car sped straight across 4 lanes of a main street called Pleasant Valley Road; a main bus route usually with heavy traffic. The car jumped the curve and went straight into a very tall steel pole of the City. The impact was so great that from a side view, the pole was standing dead center of the the car’s motor. Also, the motor had dropped to the ground.
As a result, the airbags and seatbelt did some serious damage to my beloved Mother. The seatbelt broke her rotators cup, fractured her right wrist, left horrible bruises across her entire chest and right thigh and mashed her right breast.
To Ortho Surgeons advised surgery repair for her rotators cup, but she’s too old and has a heart condition. The recovery from the surgery would be too painful to bear and would more than likely kill her.
To this day, she is still under the Ortho Doctor’s care to control the pain in her shoulder and wrist. My precious Mother tried to warn everyone about the faulty mechanism in that car. She met with a couple of Lawyers, but found it hard to believe her because of her age. I believed her from day one.
Comment by Aaron on 10 November 2009:
Man I almost died! Suddenly lost control and I had no explaination for what had happened. Was not speeding, next thing I knew I was sideways. Needs to be recalled!
Comment by larry on 10 November 2009:
I think the floor mat is the smokescreen to cover up some defects. In the accident that killed 4 people, one of the victims reportedly called and said that their Lexus was going at 120mph. If you think about it, 120mph was full speed, the gas pedal must be pressed all the way, obviously not by the driver, he was trying to stop but even the brake did not work. There was no impossible way for a floor mat to jam the pedal in such manner. If it curled up to jam the gas pedal, it had to jam the brake pedal, too. Anyway, Toyota contradicts itself to say that the floor mat is safe if compatible, secured while making the massive recall. It’s like saying the apple got no worm in it but don’t eat it.
Comment by Jim on 10 November 2009:
I currently own two late model Toyota cars. What is to prevent the driver of one of these situations mentioned from putting the car in nutral and or turning off the engine. I realize that it is much harder to brake when your engine is not running, but it is not impossible. Would the power steering lock-up or would you loose your power boost breaking system, if the car is still moving and the engine is turned off? It might mess up the engine componants, but it might also save your life (?).
Comment by Mildred on 18 November 2009:
I own a 2006 toyota camry last year I was in my driveway waiting for the garage door to open and the car accelerated and when throught the garage door and the back wall of my garage.
Comment by Dave on 18 November 2009:
08 Toyota Camry totaled by my wife, no reason found, no citation, NO medical, physical or legal causes found by the hospital or the State Patrol. No explanation for what happened. She was at the edge of town on a curve leaving a 35 mph area and the car just took off and sent her left of center in to the opposite ditch rolling the car and clipping a utility pole. Thank God for Air bags and no oncoming traffic.
Comment by Barb on 19 November 2009:
2006 Sequoia. A couple of yrs ago I was pulling into a post office parking spot very slowly & the car suddenly accelerated & jumped the parking curb & down a grassy hill into a side street . Then a couple of weeks later I was stopped at a stop sign & the car suddenly accelerated & engine reved up. took it to the dealer in Tucson & they tested it but they were unable to find a problem or duplicate the problem. I absolutely know that the floor mat was NOT the cause. 100% certain, b/c after it happened I immediately made an inspection.
Comment by Parker on 25 November 2009:
I own a 2006 Camry. September 2007 I was going up a highway ramp( getting out of 595 and getting into Turnpike North) on a very lightly drizzling day when my car suddenly started to pick up speed went out of control ,spun and hit a guard rail.Result : Over $7,000 in damage to my new car , neck pain,and the cop thought I was driving too fast on a wet road (it was barely raining and I was not driving fast ) and didn`t believe me and had me convinced that I must have driven too fast on a wet road. I was dissapointed with the cop and was wondering what the hell happened with my car that didn`t slow down when I applied my brakes,was going like it had a mind of its own.I could have killed someone or killed myself but luckily did not. I remember the car going in zig-zag wildly when I tried to apply brakes and started going toward oncoming traffic the opposite direction before spinning and smashing into the guard rail.If the guard rail wasn`t there I don`t know where I would have ended up in.I was on a ramp and was not speeding ,it was a curving ramp.Anyone had the same experience ? I am concerned that the recall does not include 2006 Camry models.
Comment by Gladys on 26 November 2009:
We have had our 2009 Corolla accelerate – with no braking ability – three times since we bought it 4 months ago.
Service dept told us that the floor mats were to blame.
If it was just that the accelerator was stuck under the mat, why were we not able to brake? The brake should still work.
I tried to put it into neutral which did not work either.
Its scary to be driving a car which cannot be stopped.
There definately should be a recall on this before more people are killed by runaway cars!
Comment by Ralph on 30 November 2009:
While shifting from reverse to drive with my 2000 toyota sienna it suddenly accelerated and I was unable to stop it untill I applied both feet to the brake 4 feet into my suns closed garage. Make me wonder if this was more than my fault.
Comment by James on 30 November 2009:
My mom was parking her 2007 Toyota Camry when all of a sudden her car went to full acceleration and she wound up in the front window of a jewelery store. Her Toyota dealership told her that they did not kow of any reason that this could happen. Two months later all this information form Toyota is coming out in the news.
Comment by S Adams on 30 November 2009:
We have a 2008 Tacoma and are now TERRIFIED to drive it! Toyota is not doing what is must to save the lives of people who purchase their vehicles. Does anyone know anything about how to file a class action that could force them to repair or replace the affected vehicles? Toyota will not admit that the engineering is a problem – but it is not the floor mats as several events have demonstrated – sudden acceleration with NO FLOOR MATS IN THE THE CAR! How much damage has to be done – and how many people have to be maimed or killed before Toyota addresses this?
Comment by Mary on 2 December 2009:
In 2004 at a red light my now deceased husband applied the Camry breaks,the car slowed, then speed forward. To avoid hitting cars my husband drove toward a grassy area. We were stopped by a tree: I had minor injuries, the car major damage,needed an new engine. Witnesses reported we were stopping then zoomed forward. No tickect, policeman thought maybe failed breaks. My husband reported applying the breaks, then speed rather than slowing. Could this be related to the electronic throttle control not placed in 2001vehicles?
Comment by Carolyn on 2 December 2009:
It is about time for the recall my dad wrecked in May 2009 and when i contacted Toyota corporate office they told me nothing was wrong with the truck but I knew better my brother was driving and he has never had an accident and as far as speeding well if your in ahurry dont get behind him lol. he was pulling out at a red light when the gas got stuck wide open they hit 2 cars and a hill side befor the truck stopped it had no breaks and the air bags didnt deploy but Toyota told me there was nothing wrong i am just glad no one was killed.
Comment by Michael on 3 December 2009:
On Memorial Day, 2009, Our 2009 Toyota Camry suddenly unintentionally accelerated on a busy freeway with my daughter and her friend. Her friend was driving. They suddenly accelerated from sixty mph to 90 despite his standing on the brakes. They were terrified and of course thought that they were going to die. Thank God it finally snapped out of the acceleration mode and responded to the driver’s control. The car was taken to the dealership in Ann Arbor, MI. where the mechanics tried to replicate the incident, but were unsuccessful. They told her to remove the floor mats. She did this but has been too terrified to drive the car since then. We leased this car because of the excellent safety record that the Camry had enjoyed. We are now stuck with paying for a lease on this car which remains parked in the driveway for the next two years. Thank God she was among the lucky ones that did not crash.
Comment by Jagmohan on 4 December 2009:
In August 2009 I wrecked my 2000 Toyota Solara after the car went into full speed from standing position as soon as I lifted my foot from the brake pedal, after waiting for the traffic to clear, to make a right turn in to the south bound lane. The car jumped the 6 inch high median devider and went in the traffic comming from the north bound lane. My car was hit by two vehicles coming in the north bound lane. It happend so suddenly that there was no time to react. My car damaged beyong repair. I was wearing seat belt but the air bags did not deploy. I was injured in the accident when my head smashed into the driver side window. I was rushed to the emergency room and diagnosed with bleeding in the left side of my brain. I spent one day in the intensive care unit and another day in hospital room till the bleeding stopped. This traumatic event makes me very affraid to drive. I am glad no body else was injured.
Comment by Kay on 5 December 2009:
We have a 05 Avalon. Today I pulling into a parking place outside a deli. The engine began roaring and the car jumped the curb and crashed into the deli. Even after it stopped from the impact, the engine continued to rev. I turned off the ignition. It is a miracle that no one was standing inside or was on the patio of deli or it would have killed someone. The airbag did not employ. My husband was with me at the time. Breaking did nothing! We are glad to be alive. There were not floor mats blocking the accelerator.
Comment by John on 6 December 2009:
I just had an accident Friday night where the accelerator stuck, exactly how it occurred in these other stories. The Lexus dealership is going to look at the car tomorrow morning. Should I let them inspect it, or should I be concerned they may do something with the results, and try to blame it on the floor mats – which it had nothing to do with the mats. Are any of the dealerships doing anything about a replacement car, as I estimate I have over $15,000 damage to my ‘06 IS250. I had to hit a tree to get the car to stop and not injure anyone. Suggestions?
Comment by david on 7 December 2009:
i traded my 2009 camry in 14 days ago because i had expierenced a sudden accelerator speed for no apparent reason. i do not want to drive a car or have my wife drive a car that is not safe. i told the dealer what happened and he said they are working on this problem. i thought i was imagining the sudden speed increases but now after reading all of the stories i know i did the right thing. i had paid 18 payments on a 51 month loan. now those monies are gone.
Comment by Patricia on 9 December 2009:
AFter spending half an hour writing about my acceleration problem with my 2000 Camry yesterday, when I tried to submit it to this website, it didn’t go through . The computer diagnostic indicated there wasn’t a problem with my connection. Instead, I will write to Toyota and the National Highway Safety Administration.
Comment by geri on 9 December 2009:
I own a 2007 Toyota Camry and my accelerator got stuck outside of a school. I was in reverse and when I put the car in drive my car took off like a gun — I hit the school, hit a minivan and than went thru a 100 foot fence all while headed towards a house. The fence became entangled in the front of my car and stopped me..almost like a bungy cord. However when the car got stuck in the fence my front wheels were burning rubber because the car was still accelerating. I tried to use the breaks etc .. nothing worked. I finally was able to move the shift into neutral and that is what stopped the car. My two young boys were in the car with me and traumatized beyond belief ! Toyota did come out to the body shop where my car was and said there was nothing wrong with my car and now a year later they are recalling the gas pedal ???? I cannot drive this car and obviously can’t sell it because who in there right mind would buy it nor would I want to sell it to anyone with fear that this could happen to them.
Comment by mohamed on 10 December 2009:
in 2008 i had same problem i inform toyota my car was toteld i got into a vary big accedent toyoyta blamed on floor mat i like your attorny to p call me i can join law suit
Comment by Jeri on 13 December 2009:
My 2007 Camry has accelerated out of control on several occasions when I have been turning corners. The experiences were very frightening, and I was very fortunate they did not result in accidents. I agree that the sticking accelerator had absolutely nothing to do with the floor mat. I have complained in writing to both Toyota and the National Highway Safety Administration.
Comment by Bonnie on 14 December 2009:
On July 25th, my 2004 Toytoa Camry acceleraed out of control, I was pulling in to a parking space at my job when it just started speeding towards the sidewalk thank god that their was a cement piller, which I hit at full speed, or I would have landed in the shoe store or who knows what could have happened. the air bags did not deploy, i was not hurt, the damaged it did do to my car was and is a finicial hardship, with my insurance hitting the roof!!! I am afraid to drive the car and do not use my car to transport my family or my staff anywhere! I will not be able to sell my car, once the carfax is requested. I feel that it is a complete loss for me.
Comment by JOHN on 18 December 2009:
On 23 DEC 07, I returned home in my 07 Tacoma D cab 4×4 with my family after a short drive of about four miles. It was daytime, dry and sunny. I came to a complete stop in front of the garage. Before I shifted it into park the engine revved extremely high and I pushed harder on the brakes. The acceleration broke through the brakes and slammed into the garage knocking down a good portion of the wall, and destroying the door and some tools. After calming my screaming family, I went immediately on line and noted a number of complaints (over 80) for the same issue, same year and specific model. I filed my own with nhtsa.gov (ODI ID Number 10212602) – you will be surprised how many others were filed back then. My carpet did not interfere with the accelerator – it was the first thing I checked. Toyota said they found nothing wrong (surprise, surprise). Unfortunately I was stationed overseas at the time and had to wait to return to the US in November 09 to unload the vehicle right back to Toyota – I could not in good conscience sell this to a private party. No accidents in 30 years of driving and Toyota tell me it must have been my error! Made me angry to say the least so I am happy it is now being exposed. By the way – at the time of the collision, I was not expecting a high revving engine to break through the brakes and did not have time to cut the engine.
Comment by anita on 18 December 2009:
on 12/8/09 as I was going less than 5 mph into a diagonal parking space, with my foot on the brake, my 2005 toyota camry bolted forward. I heard the engine reve, the car jumped the curb, hit a meter, large planter and side of a tree which were all in the path of my out of control car. These obstacles stopped the car. It was implied that I stepped on the gas instead of the brake but that was not the situation. When I stepped out of the car there was a strong smell of burnt rubber. The head of the meter had detached off the meter pole and entered a restaurant through a window. Thankfully no one was hurt. I am having Toyota investigate the cause of the malfunction. Many reports on line are almost identical to what happened to me. I have lost confidence in this car. anita 12/18/09
Comment by Carolyn on 24 December 2009:
In August of 2005, I pulled my 2004 Lexus into an apartment house parking space and braked. However, instead of coming to a complete stop, the car accelerated and jumped the curb, went through a chain-link fence, hit and destroyed a major untility box, and smashed the side of a building, before it came to a sudden stop in a grassy greenbelt. I called my Spokane, WA Lexus dealer and they assured me it wasn’t the car, but they offered to contact a corporate manager, and together they checked the car and again said the car was not to blame. When all was said and done, the cost to my insurance company was nearly $9,000, the apartment complex was out of power for 12 hours, and, maybe worst of all, I was afraid I had lost my ability to drive safely. I now feel vindicated and DUPED!
Comment by Tamara on 30 December 2009:
I just bought a 2009 Camry. Why don’t we all take our floor mats out so they can’t blame these problems on the floor mats? I think that’s what I’m going to do. I think I noticed the car accelerating without me pushing the accelerator for a couple of secodns a couple of times. I’m kind of afraid to drive the car. But I’m sure going to take the mats out so they can’t blame any future problems on the mats!!
Comment by mark on 30 December 2009:
My 17 year old daughter totaled out my wife’s 2008 Solara Convertable on Aug 13th of this year. She told me that the car just suddenly accelerated after coming to a stop and then started to make a right hand turn into a oncoming path of an 18-wheeler doing 55 MPH.. The side air-bag saved her life, After purchasing another Toyota (Carolla) we heard of the recall (and still to this date…never were given any legal notice to repair the cause.)
Thank God for the life saving equipment, but in the meantime…we’re out thousands of dollars in costs and hospitalization due to this event.
Does anyone know how I can be compensated?
Comment by Luis & Marie on 31 December 2009:
We were very much pleased with our Toyota Camray XLE which we’ve owned since purchased “new” in 2006. We had a quite unpleaseant surprise when we found a service sticker on the hidden top of the car’s frontal windshield setting a date for the car’s next service from another quite distant dealer. . . So much for the dealer’s reputation!. . .
Now things have changed dramatically. A couple of days ago my wife was a block and half from our front gate driving up a slightly enclinded uphill street she and I have driven for 44 years of our 79 years of age each. (Well, I mention that for you well know that as you hoot us quite often when behind our annoying slowness). . . All of a sudden, in a slight curve, going at most 25 mph, our Camrey accelerated to instant full blast power resulting in it climbing a rather high concrete curve that totally smashed both front and one rear wheels, tore two new tires – only three weeks on the car. You well know how we, the elderly drive when you so often have to honk us. . .
The estimate to repair the mechanical parts of the car is quoted at
$ 4,305.96 plus tax and approx. $ 1,700.00 for body work. We cannot tell what condition the transmission is in as it is between the front wheels so cannot be tested until carriage repair is done.
Well, we certainly would not want that much appreciated car back, even if repaired totally for us and totally free! What, drive ourselves to potential deaths and even others perhaps that might be in our Camrey XLE Toyota’s way with its automatic accelerator ready to kill!.
NO WAY!
PS.Two years ago I replaced the front mats for quite different ones cut by myself to tightly fit and not move at all. Not because of safety but to replace light tan to black color for obvious reasons..
Comment by NADINE on 4 January 2010:
I bought a 2010 Camry 9/25/09 because a friend raved about her Toyota Hybrid & I had owned a Camry before. The floor mat was removed when I bought it. Several times it accelerated suddenly, but I was able to control it with the brakes. I thought I imagined it, but on 10/13/09 I was backing into neighbor’s driveway to drop her off. Stopped car, then tried to move back a little bit, but the car accelerated and crashed into her garage door before I could apply the brakes. Toyota sent Specialist from Denver to inspect it 11/11/09. When I picked up car, dealer said they couldn’t tell me anything – it was referred to their legal dept. and I would hear results in 3-4 days. 30 days later I called and they said 30 WORKING days. Finally got letter saying they found nothing wrong with the car, which is what I expected from them after reading other reports. Wish I had known this before I bought. Now I’m stuck. I’m retired, no hope of buying another car. Just hope it doesn’t kill me.
Comment by Martha on 4 January 2010:
On January 2, 2010 I applied the brake as I entered a parking space. All of a sudden the engine accelerated. Fortunately, I was almost stopped and put the car into neutral however the engine continued to rev over 4,000. I next put it into park and turned the key off. The engine continued to rev for about a minute. My son then informed me that this problem had been reported by Toyota owners. Most of the reports have been on newer cars then mine (1998 Avalon) so, everyone with a Toyota should be given the instructions on how to handle this type of emergency. As there is little time to think, I was just fortunate to do the right thing in time.
Comment by martin on 5 January 2010:
on Nov 28, my 2008 Lexus es 350, while parking the car, the accelerator shot forward and we hit a tree. The 4 air bags shot out and our legs were damaged.. The damage to car amounted to $22000.It is now 5Jan and our legs are still bruised and in pain.
Comment by Donald on 5 January 2010:
August 17, 2009, I experienced sudden unintended acceleration in my 2004 Toyota Camry Solara with only 41,000 miles while attempting to park at work. As I applied the brakes prior to reaching the cement parking stop I heard and felt a quick accelaration from the engine. My first thought was to stomp the brake and try to get the transmission in park. No way, no time! The car quickly jumped the cement parking stop like a bucking bull. The parking lot sits above our place of business. Directly in front of this space is a sidewalk and approx. 10″, to a two foot cement wall with an downhill walkway to our sales office. To the right of me approx. 6-7 parking spaces was a jeep wagon. I was standing on the brakes and steered right knocking down a small tree in the parkway. I saw a Jeep and corrected left grazing the front bumper and then came to a stop. My ruined car sat atop a downlopped stairwell. The Insurance Co. totaled my Toyota. I have pictures that were taken within 15 minutes of the accident. I contacted Toyota and filed a complaint with NHTSA. Toyota said they would investigate and get back to me within 60 days. Toyota determined that it was not the result of any type of manufacturing defect. That possibly a floor mat that was found in the auto could have interfered with the throttle or brake operation. Isn’t it strange they do not list the 2004 Camry as a recall yet say it could have been a floor mat? I also noted something about the floor mat excuse. Prior to learning about all the problems with Toyota or learning about the San Diego accident ( I still considered it a safe automobile) I purchased a 2007 Toyota Camry Solora. The throttle pedal is way to high about 3″ above the mat. It seems experts that have much more expertise in this field than I, feel the floor mat crisis is bogus. I did, however, take out the mats in question. I now cringe every time I hit a bump or hear a strange noise. As was tragically illustrated in the crash in San Diego that killed those people, this problem can have nightmarish consequences. The accident still resonates. I have lost a portion of my confidence and my sense of security. I have contacted a law firm that has filed the Class Action suit. They informed me that I may have a secondary claim for damages. I have not heard from them recently. Should I seek an attorney to protect my rights?
Comment by kkaushal on 5 January 2010:
I bought Camry 2004 model & due to gas pedal had an accident in July 2005.
Comment by S. Ross on 13 January 2010:
Three times in the last three months my 2007 Toyota Corolla accelerated on its own, almost causing me to crash in the car in front of me. The first two time were right after I went from parking to driving (within a minute). I was doing the brake and accelerator so *maybe* it was me but this last time, I was at a red traffic light and had been sitting there for 20 seconds, with my foot firmly on the brakes, when the engine reved like crazy and I had to shift into neutral to keep from hitting the car in front.n Floor mat my ass! My foot was no where near the accelerator, I looked to be sure. Toyota has buggy firmware in the car’s computer and its cheaper to let people die and get injured than to admit guilt and fix it. If I survive this car, I will never buy a Toyota again,
Comment by G Pale on 14 January 2010:
I was driving in to parking lot, my 2000 Toyota Sianna accelerated out of control. I tried to stop it, but it became out of control ran over curb and on the main road. I barely able to pull it back at high speed to hit a tree to stop it. I felt I was going to die. I destroyed my van and seriously got injured. I am scare to drive my car.
Comment by Bruce on 16 January 2010:
On 1 Dec 2009 I personally experienced an accelerator problem with my 2007 Tacoma. My driving speed was between 20-25 mph behind a school bus in Lebanon, MO. The road was dry and the weather was chilly, but no ice or wet road. As the bus turned its left signal on, I lifted my foot off of the accelerator and lightly braked to prepare for the bus to make its turn. Nothing happened. I braked harder and the truck continued at about the same speed towards the bus as it had come to a complete stop to wait for approaching traffic to pass so it could make its turn. I first thought the brakes failed and pushed down on the brake pedal hard with no effect. With only seconds to react, all I could do was keep my foot on the brake pedal before hitting the bus which was loaded with preschoolers. The impact was jarring and a frightful event which I continue to relive on a daily basis. Police and emergency rescue response soon followed and I barely was able to get out of the driver’s door. The bus had two adults on board – the driver and passenger. Both saw my attempts to stop the truck with no avail and provided same in their remarks to the investigating police officer. Upon investigation of the accident, the responding police officer concluded that the cause of accident was defective equipment. There was approximately 20-25 feet of skid mark from my truck tires which negated my assumption that the brakes failed. That evening I called my insurance company to report the accident as well as the Toyota Claims department. The Toyota Claim rep provided me a Claim number and I was told to submit an explanation of the incident along with the police report and any pictures. A Toyota representative out of the Kansas City area office subsequently (on 8 or 9 Dec) came to the Reliable Toyota, Springfield MO, Collision Center where my truck was towed to investigate the damages to the truck and to check the “black box”. I was subsequently informed by my insurance company adjuster that the black box did not show any brake or accelerator problems. How he obtained this info was news to me as the Reliable Toyota Collision Center Manager informed me of that an investigator did come down but did not report his findings to anyone and that it would take him up to 30 DAYS TO FILE A REPORT. Currently, as of 15 Jan 2010 the Toyota Legal office still has not contacted me to inform me of what they intend to do to resolve this mess. I have made at least two follow-up calls to Toyota HQ and was told I would be contacted by their Legal rep. The first follow-up was 22 Dec 09 and was told no one was available as they were all on vacation for 10 days. I waited an additional 2 weeks before phoning Toyota again and got the response the Legal Dept was swamped. Today is 15 Jan 2010 and I have not been contacted by anyone from the Toyota Legal Dept. Repairs to my truck were completed on 13 Jan 2010 at a cost of over $8K. My intention is to leave the truck where it is as Toyota can’t verify that it is safe to drive without the same problem happening again. Toyota HQ still has not even had the courtesy to call me to let me know what they are going to do to rectify the situation. I have nothing against Toyota either as I have owned a Lexus LS 460, Corolla, Camry, Sienna and the Tacoma. I firmly believe their product is one of the best in the world. However, I believe Toyota leadership needs to place more attention on addressing the needs of its customer – YOU and me. Not wanting to drag this out in the courts, I believe my only option is to retain an attorney. Perhaps this comment may reach someone in the Toyota HQs Legal department and will contact me, but I’m not holding my breath
Comment by Simon on 22 January 2010:
I was a former owner of a 2007 Camry 4 cly which had acceleration hesitation problem. On the other hand many owners of 2007 Camry 6 cyl complained about sudden acceleration.
I believe the problems are caused by faulty computer hardware and/or software in their drive-by-wire system.
As far as I know, in a cable throttle system, the acceleration is controlled by a cable connecting the gas peddle and the throttle. The response is more direct and reliable. In a drive-by-wire system, the movement from the gas peddle is transmitted to a computer chip first, then the computer chip calculates how the vehicle should accelerate then gives out signals to control the throttle electronically. It is supposed to give smoother acceleration and better gas mileage.
But the problem is that computer control of the throttle is not very reliable. Just like home computers, there may be problems in the software and hardware, resulting computer glitches and failures. I believe the uncontrollable acceleration of some Lexus and Toyota vehicle were due to malfunction of the computer chip in the drive-by-wire system instead of just the gas peddle getting stuck on the floor mat. I think Toyota is covering up the real cause of uncontrollable acceleration in their drive-by-wire vehicles.
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov/08/business/fi-toyota-recall8
Comment by Michael on 22 January 2010:
How do I become involved with the class action suit against Toyota Corporation. In March of 2009, I owned two Toyoata Prius vehicles. My 23 year old daughter was driving the 07 Prius(I drive the 08). She was accelerating around a disabled truck on the entrance ramp of I 95, in Madison, CT. The accelerator went into max speed, causing her to slam into the Jersey barrier seperating north and southbound traffic. The vehicle was totaled. I thank God she was not badly injured. The Connecticut State Trooper who responded to the accident, did not cite my daughter. There was no ticket, nor wriiten or verbal warning given. In fact, the trooper believed that this incident was caused by a mechanical failure. I would like to become part of this law suit. My intention is not financial. I want to be sure that this problem is rectified by the Toyota Corporation. To this day, I do not trust the 08 Prius that I still. drive. The thought that this car may fail mechanically is always in the back of my mind. I would appreciate any input from someone that has knowledge of how I could become a part of this suit to rectify the problem.
Comment by Thom on 26 January 2010:
I purchased a 2010 Toyota Camry XLE October 2009. If I would have been informed of the acceleration issues with Toyota products I would not have purchased this car. If Toyota was aware of this problem prior to selling any 2010 vehicle,there should be a class action suit against Toyota for not telling customers and giving them a achoice.
Comment by daphne on 27 January 2010:
i own trhee toyotas, (1) 2010 camry, (2) 2008 tundra, ND (3) 2006 tundra. ho w do join the law suit?
Comment by Tom on 27 January 2010:
I think this problem is older than simply a few years. In 1992 a lady driving a new Toyota pickup shot across the median of a super highway and slammed head on into my wife’s car. It was estimated she was doing over 70 mph. She was killed, my wife was in intensive care for months and required unbelievable orthopedic and cosmetic surgery, my two daughters were also injured and carry the scars to this day. I’ve always thought the Toyota that hit her was somehow out of the driver’s control. Is the acceleration system any different now than it was in 1992? tlf
Comment by J. Bowen on 27 January 2010:
Is there anything in Toyota’s car system that would cause a car/suv
to “lunge” toward an electrical source like a telephone pole o ra power grid?
Comment by MS on 27 January 2010:
I had a Lexus 400h and I was coming home at 2:30 in the afternoon and about 1/2 mile from my home my car lunged to the right and I hit a telephone pole and rolled 3-4 times. Deep brusing, concussion, leg broken, and deeply insulted that everyone thought I had a “brain fart”
or something worse causing the accident. THis was my first accident
ever. I had all kinds of test trying to uncover whta was wrong wiht me.
Comment by RJ on 27 January 2010:
I don’t know what to do! I absolutely love my 2007 Camry XLE that I ;purchased in 2006. I t hought I had done all the research & I determined that this was the safest car. I have had repeated trouble with the VSC system, but the dealer can never find anything wrong. My car periodically will not start & I have to call for tow. Next it was the floor mats which we removed even though they had not caused a problem for me, and were bolted to the floor. My husband had a heck of a time getting it out. The accelartion problem has not affected me yet, but my husband wants to park the car. I was already looking for a car because of the VSC & the earlier reports of the car going out of control. I did not act fast enough. I doubt that I will get a good trade in now & I don’t feel right selling it to someone when it could kill them and/or others. I still owe on the loan, so I’m just stuck. I hate to park my car, but after reading these posts, I agree with my husband. I have another vehicle to drive,albeit a ten year old vehicle, but what about those who have no choice? And what if someone else is hurt, injured or killed because of this madness?
Comment by Ursula on 27 January 2010:
My Camry was a 2006 which is not on the list; but should be. I purchased the car Dec. 2005. The oxygen sensor light went on Christmas eve day. The mechanic came out of the shop and shut off the light stating that they go off etc. I returned a few days later because it lit up again. Harr Toyota of Worcester MA replaced the senson and I purchased special floor mats. On Jan. 20, 1006, as I was entering RT 290 West my car ranaway without any warning. It went from approx. 10MPH to 100!! I hit the back of a semi truck who never knew this happened. This was in bumper to bumper traffic. Another semi had let me on to the highway. My brake would not work and being in shock I did not know what to do. After my car was repaired I was instructed to shift into neutral when this happened again. This happened many, many times; perhaps more than 2 dozen in 3 yrs. I could not afford to trade in the car so I learned how to drive it. I tried to sue Toyota via the Lemon Law. I brought the car to Ira toyota in Manchester NH where my daughter lives; but received no satisfaction. Many of my family and friends experienced this phenomenon with me so I have many witnesses. I am grateful that nobody was injured seriously. The last day I owned the Camry I pulled into a parking space at a White Hen Pantry Store and was very close to the bldg. The car accelerated and being so close to the bldg. I had no time to shift into neutral! Now my concern is how do I get involved with the class action suit to regain my thousands of dollars that I paid to have the car repaired and insurance penalties? My friend who worked in the Army motor pool said they know that it is an electronic throttle problem which only shows up on the computer when it is happening. What a shame so many people lost their lives. God bless their famiies.
Comment by Don on 27 January 2010:
I recently purchase a 2009 Toyota Tundra and now do not believe that it is safe to drive. I have not experienced any problems, however it bothers me that this problem exists.
I took the vechicle in when Toyota announce the “floor matt” problem and my dealer shook his head and said not to worry. Should we all sue Toyota for putting us in a position to either not drive or be forced to drive an unsafe vehicle?
So far I have been unimpressed with the inormation I have been receiving from Toyota.
Comment by Yolanda on 27 January 2010:
How do I become involved with the class action suit against Toyota Corporation? I was backing up in my drive way and the 2010 Camry accelerated out of control. Thankfully I was going extremely slow and barely hit the car behind me.
I purchased a 2010 Camry (4DR SDN XLE) at Don McGill Toyota/Scion, 11800 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079 (281-496-2000) on September 25, 2009 and I can’t get anyone to help me. If I would have been informed of the acceleration issues with Toyota products I would NOT have purchased this car. Toyota was aware of this problem prior to selling me the car why didn’t they inform me, isn’t this against the law… I’m ready to sue Toyota for not telling me and giving me a choice. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!!!! I can only pray that Toyota does not get away with this because they are a big corporation.
I want my money back. I invested $30,000.00 dollars and I’m having too many sleepless and restless nights worrying about this vehicle investment. I’m TERRIFIED to drive it! Is there anything I can do about this? How many people have to be maimed or killed before Toyota addresses this? HELP!
Comment by Chris on 27 January 2010:
My husband and I were driving our 2009 Camry Hybrid. Last August, we were on a residential street in Laguna Beach, California and he was parking the car. All of the sudden, the car started accelerating into the car in front of us. My husband reacted quickly, steered the car into the street to avoid hitting the parked car, and he managed to hit the brakes really, really hard and the car jerked to a stop. I thought he was not used to driving “my” car. Turns out it wasn’t him. I knew the CHP officer who was killed in the Lexus. Now, my husband won’t let me drive my Hybrid. He drives it because he only drives city streets to work. I drive our Honda.
Comment by james on 27 January 2010:
while driving my 2005 Highlander in 06 I had two crazy joy rides after trying to enter a freeway; as I accelerated quickly the the pedal would not release hurtling me down the highway. luckily no one was hurt but the mechanic said the fasteners of that drive by wire system were faulty.
toyota headquarters in california didn’t want to know sqwat!!!
JL
Comment by Karen on 27 January 2010:
My father’s 2000 Camry had the accelerator stick on him three weeks ago (about January 3, 2010). He’s 87 years old, and it really scared him. The Toyota dealership said that maybe a “leaf” got stuck somewhere to cause the acceleration. I am leary about him driving this car. At his age, I don’t know that he can react fast enough to put it in neutral and bring it to a stop. I am begging him not to drive it on highways for now. He was not injured, but I’m worried that it will happen again.
Comment by Deb on 27 January 2010:
I got a 2010 Matrix last October. I wish I could somehow make the guy who sold it to me drive it instead. or find someone who will buy it now.
Comment by Alicia on 27 January 2010:
I had an accident w/ my Matrix 2009. I said the car had a mind of its own.All this time I was blaming myself, I thought I was really getting crazy. Now I am a nervous wreck. What do I do now?
Comment by Dean on 27 January 2010:
I bought a new 2006 Toyota Tundra truck. Last year I was going about 35mph when the engine went to full rpm. I stood on the brake pedal with both feet and drove to the nearest Toyota dealer about two miles away. The service people came out and said “Where’s the fire?” The brakes were smoking. They entered the incident into their computer and scratched their heads. I could have killed someone or myself. No help from Toyota. I still have the truck. If there’s a class action suit I want to be part of it.
Comment by Reggie on 27 January 2010:
2000 toyota solara, I was driving, hit a curb, and could not stop the car from accelerating. I crashed to a tree, then a electrical box. When hitting the tree the Car continue to go forward, thats when I passed out. My car was completely totaled, and I spent the night in the hospital. Lucky my injuries where minimal, but when you see the car, you can tell I was lucky to be alive.
Comment by Dawni on 28 January 2010:
When I saw the recall today I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that took me back to a day in 2008. I was driving to work, and I pulled into the parking lot as usual and like I’d done so many times before I pressed my brake to turn left into an open parking slot and I just remember hearing a loud noise and i thought something had hit my 2007 Camry XLE – in reality I’d just barrelled into a park vehicle in the slot next to the one in which I was about to park. I was stunned, and could not believe it happened – I kept replaying it in my head as to HOW I could have hit a parked car, especially in a parking lot I was familiar with. Even when I told the story to the claims adjuster she was asking questions to try and make sense of the accident. in the end I assumed I had under estimated the amount of space available – though I always knew that was not the truth because I parked in the space almost daily. Because I didnt have any physical injusry and my car was not totaled I blew it off unable to explain how I (someone who’s been driving for 23 years) had hit a parked van.
When I heard of the recall today i thought about the times when my gas pedal felt like it was on “autopilot” and it had happened a few times – I thought that I had hit the ‘cruise control” button accidentally since it is near the a/c temperature control.
I checked my VIN number and I did not have the JT made in Japan letters, which indicate that my 2007 Camry is indeed part of the recall.
Now I am literally afraid to drive my car, a couple of people think I’m over reacting, but anyone who has ever seen or been involved in a bad car accident knows that it better to be safe than sorry.
Anyone who has a link or information for the class action lawsuit, please share.
I plan to contact the dealer tomorrow and have the faulty pedal replaced,
Comment by Kristen on 28 January 2010:
I was driving home on December 16, 2009 just six weeks ago, when I approached a toll booth. I paid the toll and stepped on the gas, my car excelerated to 75 MPH I hit my brake and nothing happened, i slammed on my emergancy break and nothing happened, I was in a panic that I was going to hit the person in front of me and beeped my horn but they slammed on there brakes, I was really considering jumping from the car to save my own life. My car would not shift into nutral or park So I could either hit the person infront of me or hit the wall. As I started to vere toward the wall at the last minute I thought to shut my car off and maybe my car would stop and thank God it did. I called road side assistance and when they came they told me it was my mat and not to worry and sent me on my way. I could have died that night, leaving my 2 yr old son without a mother. I am in total shock that toyota is not doing anything about this. They are sending letters about recalls but theydon’t have parts to fix the cars. If they did and it was prefected they would not stop assembly on all toyota models.
Comment by Rob on 28 January 2010:
If the accelerator pedal sticks all you have to do is shift the transmission to NEUTRAL, and with no power going to the wheels the vehicle is going to quickly slow down. It does not take a NASA rocket scientist to figure this out!
Oh btw I am looking for a clean, late model, low mileage Toyota 4-Runner. If anyone has one that you are scared to drive I will take it off your hands.
Comment by mike on 28 January 2010:
I also purchased a 2010 Camry in August and have exerienced nothing but touble with the shifting. It is inconsistent, occasionally shifts hard, and sometimes even accelerates while shifting. I was told by both the dealer and the manufacturer that the car is functioning “as intended.” What a disappointment. I have always been a beleiver in the Toyota product but not any more. I miss my reliable 98 Camry. Bottom line: I don’t want this vehicle! I’m not a fan of baseless lawsuits; however, if there were such a class action lawsuit pending, I would certainly suport it.
Comment by R.A. on 28 January 2010:
WOW! After reading the comments of other toyota drivers I am totally amazed that more people have not been seriously injured or killed from these “runaway” incidents. I have owned 4 Camrys, my latest being a 2007 XLE V-6. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle, I became aware of the so called “surge” problem attributed to the transmission programming. My Dealer’s service manager said “not to worry” about the problem even though my VIN number was included in the affected vehicles. They even told me not to have the transmission reprogrammed unless it was a recurring event as it may cause the problem to become worse. then I got the recall notice about the floor mat possibly causing the gas pedal problem. This was only if you had the Toyota brand all weather mats. Still have not received any info on getting new mats. Now the story about faulty gas pedals from one manufacturing vendor in Elkhart, IN. Still no mention by Toyota of any connection to faulty electronic accelerators with defective capacitors. WHY? because to fix this will cost $Millions! I am now faced with deciding to continue to drive the vehicle and “take my chances” of having one of these runaway events, or worse, having another Camry or other Toyota model driver experience this problem while heading my way on the road. I’m sure this is why Toyota decided to stop production and sales. THIS IS HUGE! One other acceleration problem with all this, is the “Accelerated Depreciation” on these cars. Good luck on any trade in or private sale of these cars until solutions are identified and implemented.
Comment by Elizabeth on 28 January 2010:
We just purchased a AWD 2010 Rav4 the end of November 2009; vehicle is 60-days old. The information being put out by Toyota continues to change and be incomplete daily. There appears to be an ongoing life-threatening problem that Toyota knows, and has known about. The company has now place millions of people at risk; the drivers, the passengers and others on the same road are all potential victims of this. We also want to know how to join in a class action lawsuit. Just the fear/anxiety and pain/suffering caused to myself and my family in the past 8 days is completely unacceptable; fixing the problem is imperative, however, Toyota is absolutely going to need to compensate my family for this nightmare.
Comment by Thom on 28 January 2010:
Toyota apparently has denied having prior knowledge of the acceleration problem. However they have been receiving complaints for models as early as 2004. Hence the acceleration problem has existed and persisted for several years and involving several of their American manufactured vehicles. Why did Toyota fail to inform customers about the acceleration issue on their newest model vehicles? I read where the same models manufactured in Japan do not experience this acceleration problem because the parts are not obtained from Canada or the US. Is the Toyota company involved in manufacturing different quality vehicles for countries other than their own? I purchased my first and last Toyota product. I would like to have my money back and you can surely have your car back! This is not about money, credibility and bad business. This a serious issue is about endangering the lives of people who trusted a major corporation to deliver a high quality and more importantly a safe vehicle. Peoples lives are at stake and this monumental issue has caused a lot of unneccessary stress and injuries. Shame on the Toyota corporation and their executives for betraying consumers.
Comment by Faye on 29 January 2010:
My 2005 Camry accelerated causing me to drive into a storefront window. Toyota gave me the run around and refused to allow my insurance company to investigate the black box which would have indicated that my foot was on the brakes when the car accelerated. The company representatives were very ugly with me when I sought information and restitution. This was a very scary and humiliating experience. The investigating police officer asked me if I had been drinking. I am still suffering from that experience in Nov 2006. Shame on Toyota. This problem has existed for many years. In 1995, my 1992 Camry surged into a post office when I was trying to park. I thought it was my error because at that time I had not heard about sudden acceleration.
Comment by Mark on 29 January 2010:
On January 26, 2009 I arrived home in my 2006 Camry Solara. I stopped in the driveway, and could not find my remote for the garage door, so I pressed harder on the break with the intention of putting the car into park. The car lunged forward, tires squealing and went right through the garage door, and into the back wall of my garage. It happened so fast, that there was absolutely no time to react! I was pressing on the break, but the car was still speeding forward. I could not understand what happened until i read all of these similar experiences. Toyota says that it is my fault, and that the problem only happens to cars going 15 miles an hour. Also,my car is 2006 and not part of the recall, yet I see a few similar 2006 camry sotries above.
Comment by Jeanie on 29 January 2010:
I have 2009 Toyota Corolla. My car will accelerate for a second and then go back to normal. When it first happened it scared me but only lasted long enough for me to feel the acceleration, and the when back. I called Toyota dealership and stated this. They informed me the motor was designed to preform like that. My car is on the recall list.
Comment by Sandra on 29 January 2010:
On August 28, 2009, on my way to work the 2006 toyota corolla that I was driving brakes stuck when the state patrol got behind me they said I was going at a speed of 80 miles per hour. when the car stopped, I had driven 60 miles out of my way from work. The car had taken out 8 poles and hiit a wall that stopped it. The police said that i was lucky to be alive.. The car was totaled. this is a serious issue and I am glad that God spare me my life that day to tell the story.I cant’ get the Toyota Corporation to help me in this matter.
Comment by L. Clark on 29 January 2010:
I purchased a 2009 Camry last spring. Toyota is the only car I have ever purchased 1998 Corolla, 2003 Camry; 2006 Camry and 2009 Camry. I will never buy another Toyota vehicle. I am very concerned for my safety while driving my 2009 Camry as this is the only vehicle I have. I feel that Toyota should buy my car back and release me from the full amount of my car loan. Most certainly, if I would have been informed of the acceleration issues with Toyota products I would NOT have purchased this car. Toyota was aware of this problem prior to selling me the car why didn’t they inform me, isn’t this against the law… I’m ready to sue Toyota for not informing me. Honesty is the best policy. Toyota has not been honest with the consumers. Therefore, it seems consumers should be release from paying their car note so we may go to another dealer to purchase a safer reliable car. However, I cannot afford to buy another car and still pay the note on my 2009 Camry. Please someone help us; so we can be released from our car payments…Toyota created this mess…let them take their cars back and reimburse the consumers at least that much should be done immediately for those who wish to no longer own their vehicle OMG this is crazy because my car is not a year old yet. My experience was not severe but my car has already accelerated to higher speed twice actually when I first purchased it…I informed the dealer and my car was checked out that it was nothing wrong. Yeah right…I go to the dealer every 5,000 miles for service and never once has a service tech informed me my car was safety risk. This is crazy, at the point I want toyota to buy my car back. I called the dealer on January 25 to ask if they would buy my car back and was told no. I would need to call the 800-331-4331 in regards to recall question of that nature. I still have not been able to get through. Yes, I would like as others want to be included in a class action lawsuit. Toyota should have given full disclosure to consumers…then we could have made a choice to not buy or buy their cars. Atlanta-GA
Comment by Andrea on 29 January 2010:
I had a 1997 camry that I had since my senior of high school which was in 2006. This summer on Father’s Day Sunday I was going to church following my cousin. We were merging onto a interstate and it had previously rained earlier that morning. She was 5 car links ahead of me (luckily) and I followed merging behind her. Then it was the weirdest thing I have ever experienced. The car sped up around the curve (which I was going 30 mph since it had rained earlier that day and the curve was marked 35pmh) and everything locked up the steering wheel breaks everything. I went across 4 lanes of the interstate with no cars coming. I hit the cement wall head on. However, the car didnt stop there. My cousin in her rear view mirror saw me spining 2 times in the middle of the road and hit the wall again head on. I was wearing my seatbelt and the air bags deployed on my side and the passenger side. I walked away with brusing, airbag burn, smoke inhalation, and whip lash. It left blue-purple marks on the wall 5 ft apart. The policeman said he didnt know how I did walk away but that I was lucky. 1 month later we sold my car as a whole to a guy for parts because the wreck had totaled out my car. When he was loading the car up he had to reach under the bent up hood and fix the accelerator because the pedal was stuck down and revving the engine to 2 to 3 rpm’s which puts the engine running at 65-70 mph or higher. There was no explanation on the police report on how the wreck happened or the cause to the wreck.
Comment by Michelle on 29 January 2010:
I had my accelerator stick on Monday 1/25/10 at about 7:45 in the morning on my way to work and called the dealership to get my car fixed. I was very frightened by the experience and was afraid for my life. The accelerator stuck for about 45 seconds and I threw it into neutral and put on the brakes. Luckily with the movement from my feet and the grace of God, it became unstuck and went back to normal. It was redlining the engine though to 7-8 RPMS while it was in neutral and may have caused damage to the engine. When I got to work, I immediately called Stadium Toyota and the operator said that it was most likely my mat and to call an 800 number about the mat recall. I started to do some research and found that last week there were a couple articles about the accelerator recall and became increasingly concerned for their lack of concern as well as not offering proper advice or solutions.
Shortly after that I went to the Brandon Toyota dealership on Monday 1/25/10 at 12 Noon and was told that it was most likely my mat. He said that there was nothing he could do to help me. I have called the main Toyota line numerous times and sent them emails. I have also called the Stadium Toyota dealership numerous times and left multiple messages with no return calls. I went into Stadium Toyota yesterday 1/28/10 at 11 am and spoke with a service advisor and he said there was nothing they could do. I am trying to be very careful when I am accelerating and am ready to put the brakes on and in neutral if this occurs again.
I feel very unsafe and I hate driving it, but I have no other vehicle and have to go to work. I drive about 20,000 miles a year and have 65,000 miles on it to date. I was caught in a flash flood in July 2009 and had to have the engine replaced due to water damage which I am finding my be contributing to the acceleration problem. I am very frustrated and scared to drive. I knew about the floor mat recall and they sent me a letter advising me to take out the mat back in the fall of 09. I have the pegs that hold the mat in place though and was assured that with the pegs in place and the mat attached, there would not be an issue with the mat still being in the car. The mat is still in the car.
Please help.
Comment by Joeph on 30 January 2010:
we just bought a new 2010 corolla on JAN 15 2010 ..WE CALLED TOYOTA and they said we will get back to with this information..we will see
Comment by Aricia on 30 January 2010:
I have a 2007 Camry model. I brought it in to receive a free health check. It passed it but at that time the mechanic stated my car is going to be recalled first. At this time, I requested a loaner/renter car and I was given a Camry 2010 that was supposed to be in good condition. That night driving it home, it revved twice as it accelerated. Scared to death, I drove it to the dealership as soon as my last class left.
They put me in a room and proceeded to tell me that my note for a car was going to be 420. I requested a comparable car with a note of 367.00. I did not know how much my car was worth , how much the car I was supposed to be buying was, rates…nothing.
Then I asked the man ,Paul, that I wanted a loaner car instead until my car was fixed. He said they were not doing that anymore and therefore my options are my car with the faulty breaks or a higher note.
I immediatly sought the customer service person-Ashley that offered me a van v6. I insisted on a comparable car with a v4 . I save on gas and I have never driven a van.
I insisted on a comparable car or now a car at the dealership similar to mine in color, mileage or maybe newer . They could not accomodate me.
Anyways, two men stated to me that I refused the rentall and that now they are withdrawing the offer , the other man second that. I asked what can I do now and they said take your car, I said would but your company placed a defective gas pedal so I can’t. He said to me the numbers are so small, that nothing will probably happen to me. Also, he asked what I did and I told him I was teacher of Spanish. He then stated that this was America and not a dictatorship nor was it communist. Was he refering to my request of a new part loaner car until the part got here, or my ethniticity?
I then proceed to call my husband for help. I then left a message for an attorney friend of mine to please help me.
Informed many people at this dealership that my husband had an accident a few months after I bought the car. he hit a deer which is common in these parts but in restrospect, he was Blessed to have the deer there because if not he would have driven into a very busy intersection in Flowood, MS. And now, in retrospect, my cruise controls revvs and rapidly accelerates when I use it.
I now my car needs to be replaced completely and immediately. Can you help me? I am emotionally dirstraught and mentally exhausted. As soon as I said my husband is coming they left , set me up in a chevy impala until monday. They ran like cowards. Shame on them . Shame on them. There was no reason to put me through that mess when this is their fault. I am the victim here.
Comment by Louise on 30 January 2010:
I understand that Toyota was aware of the pedal assembly problem, since 2004 and has tried to cover up the fact that they had a defective pedal system and continued to sell these cars under the pretense that it was the rug that was causing the problem. Why can’t all those who purchased new Toyota’s with cts pedal systems form a class action suit against Toyota?
Comment by valerie on 30 January 2010:
The acceleration problem has existed for sometime. I was driving my 1994 corolla in july 2005. I was exiting a turnpike and was travelling UP on an off ramp at about 5 miles/hr when all of a sudden the car accelerated at a high speed all by itself going UP. I pressed on the brakes and the car broke into a spin. I had NO control over the car. The back bumper hit a guard rail which caused the car to spin in the opposite direction and finally stopped a 360 degree spin when the front end of the car slammed into the guard rail. I and my two passengers tried to figure out what had just happened. Now I know. My insurance company totalled my car and unfortunately I purchased another toyota. At 18,500 miles on my new 05 Toyota Matrix, I was told that I had 4 cupped tires. I contacted Toyota regarding this issue and I was told that they would sell me 4 new tires for about $500 and give me a free wheel alignment. I bought 4 new tires from Firestone, as I refused to give the money to Toyota. I just had my 30,000 mile maintenance done and I was told by Toyota service dept that all 4 of my new tires are “slightly” cupped. I have put 5000 miles on my new tires. I have researched this model on the internet and I am shocked at the number of similar complaints regarding tires. And now, I have to deal with the possibly that this car may also accelerate on its own. I wish Toyota would just buy this car back from me. I dont feel safe in it. Apparently, Toyota has decided to take short cuts in manufacturing. I personally, will never purchase or recommend a toyota to anyone. I would like to ask Toyota, how long before you include all the years, not just 2009-2010.
Comment by MISTY on 30 January 2010:
I HAVE A 2010 TOYOT TUNDRA CREW MAX AND I HAVENT HAD ONE PROBLEM OUT OF MINE. ITS SOUND TO ME PEOPLE NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFTY OF EACH OTHER JUST A LAWSUIT. WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG PEOPLE ALWAYS HOLLER LAWSUIT LAWSUIT MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE A LAWSUIT AGAINST ALL THESE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT RAISE MY INSURANCE JUST BECAUSE YOU PEOPLE SUE FOR EVERY LITTLE ACCIDENT.
Comment by ron on 30 January 2010:
I am the owner of 4 Toyotas, 3 are 2001 models but the last one I bought used for my 16 year old daughter is a 2005 Camry. The 2001’s have been great cars. While we were training my daughter with the 2005, the car accelerated quickly while driving at about 35 MPH for about 2 seconds as if someone floored it. I yelled at my daughter because I thought she was goofing around but she protested she did not move the accelerator. I subsequently found out this happened to my wife while she was training her. This happened twice over a 1 year period. Good God. I am scared to death to let anyone drive that car. I have an appointment with the dealer, I am sure he will replace some part and charge me and arm and leg, but I am pretty confident that they do not know what the problem is. I worked as a programmer in the controls industry and I am dumbfounded that Toyota “trusts” the electronics 100%. That is fool hardy and a poor design. We always had three backups on safety related items, software, electrical and mechanical. I don’t know what I am going to do, but I have educated the family on the emergency measures. One thing is for sure I won’t be buying another Toyota until they put back the mechanical cable to the throttle. This is one specification the government should regulate! As God is my witness this is true, Toyota owners, please be prepared to take emergency measures at any time!
Comment by Sudd on 30 January 2010:
I bought this new 2000 Toyota Camry LE from the Hayward, CA dealer 9 years ago. This car had regular maintenance done at the Folsom Lake Toyota dealership, Folsom, CA 95630. It had approx 79K miles on it.
On the morning of 02/22/09 it met with an accident. My wife just started driving from our house for her Church, and just four houses down the road, there is a right turn. She tried to turn right, but the brake did not work. She pumped the brakes down to the floor board several times, but there was no response. In the police report later, the first thing she said was that the brakes were jammed. She rammed into a house garage door and its structure, on the opposite side of the road. The damage at the center of the vehicle was so severe that the body-shop estimated the repair cost to be approximately 12K. The car was declared a total-loss by the insurance company. My wife had a fracture in the little toe meta-tarcel bone.
The above report was filed in the Folsom traffic collision report (we have the report #).
Now after seeing the news of the sudden acceleration issues, she feels very confident that hers was an identical case. Now thinking back and remembering the severity of damage to the car, we feel it did accelerate a lot. (we have pictures of the damaged car taken at the body shop). We also feel that her impression that the brakes were jammed, could have been actually a sudden accleration. We did report the above to Toyota. After a few days we got a letter from them saying that they inspected the vehicle but no defects were found.
Comment by mkdndasdf327488239478734 on 30 January 2010:
IM GLAD I DONT OWN ONE OF THOSE CRAP CARS AND IF I DID AND HAD AN ACCIDENT LIKE THAT I WOULD SUE THAT CARMAKER FOR MILLIONS? THIS IS BULLSH@@@TT THEY LIED AND COVERED UP THE PROBLEM WITH THE PEDAL AND HOPED IT WOULD GO AWAYANYONE WHO HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE PAST WITH ONE SHOULD SUE TOO. WHY DIDNT THEY ADMIT THEIR MISTAKE FROM THE BEGINNING AND FIX IT? NO THEY DIDNT WANT TO DO IT BECAUSE THEY DIDNT WANT BAD PUBLICITY OR GET SUED. MORE ACCIDENTS HAPPENED AND NOW THEY HAVE TO OWN UP TO IT CUZ TOO MANY ACCIDENTS HAPPENED… BUNCH OF LYING SCUMBAGS. THEY GET WHAT THEY DESERVE AND THEY WONT GET MY BUSINESS EVER. I WONT BUY ANY OF THEIR CRAP CARS
Comment by beau on 30 January 2010:
I have just bought my toyota 2009 corolla. I was never informed that I could die in the car i saved to buy and use for 20 years…How do i get in law suit since my car is worthless and I am afraid to drive now..
Comment by Faye on 31 January 2010:
I had two sudden acceleration accidents with my 2005 Camry. I was turning right to park in fromt of a store and my Camry accelerated, jumped the curb and crashed into the storefront window, Th e second time I was turning right slowly to park at a cafeteria and the car accelerated and ran into some bushes.
Comment by Rose on 31 January 2010:
We purchased our 2010 Rav4 in December 2009 and very disappointed in Toyota for not disclosing this ongoing safety problem with this and other Toyota models. We feel we have been put into a potential life-threatening situation which makes us very uncomfortable and nervous about driving our Toyota. I feel Toyota needs to do the right thing and compensate those who purchased these recalled faulty vehicles to protect their consumer’s piece of mind and perhaps saving lives from any potentially hazardous situations. This would mean a lot to consumers to see a company looking out for so many people that they have placed in fear and anger. I would personally like to know how to be included in any Class Action Lawsuit against Toyota.
Comment by Barb on 31 January 2010:
For last three years I woke up every morning asking myself what really happened to my son. After I watched Toyota news last week and doing a research online I don’t ask this question any more. My 22 year old son killed himself in a car crash on December 1st, 2006, driving 2000 Toyota Solara. The accident did not make a sense to anybody who knows him. He was careful driver and he killed himself driving (as the car’s inspection confirmed) with a speed close to 100 mph on residential street with 20 mph limit, two minutes from his home. Car was well maintained (40,000 mileage) with freshly changed tires and a weather condition as described in police report – dry asphalt. There is a witness who saw the whole accident because terrible loud sound of a vehicle’s exhaust caught her attention and she looked out of her window. She saw my son traveling with high speed trying to avoid utility pole at the front of her house and seconds later she saw the car hitting the trees on the other side of the road – then firefighters cut the roof of the vehicle to remove my son’s crushed skull body from the car. My car inspector said that he never saw car that damaged in his 30 years in this profession. He sent me the inspection report and photos of the car and asked me not to look at them if I don’t have to. I called this inspector the day I saw Toyota recall in news and he told me that my son’s car came to his mind instantly when he was watching the same news……
Comment by Vicki on 1 February 2010:
Toyota is hiding the truth, March 14th 2004 my mom was picked up by a dear friend for church. They backed up and then in drive, the car accelerated on its own smashing into a DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE! It moved the mobile and deck a foot,the driver got out of car as my mom was pinned, bleeding to death. When the fire and paramedic arrived the fireman had to cut battery cables to shut the racing engine down. The floor mats weren’t the problem. I called Toyota America North Inc. and begged these people to check into this. They said that someone would call me back. Long and short no one did. I ckecked with attorneys, 2 said I had a good case but I’d have to fine a Group big enough to fight the giant or wait for it to happen enough for the Feds to step up, bottom line Toyota could of stepped up years ago and they knew that people were dying,and had the power to care about their customers more than their greedy pockets
Comment by James on 1 February 2010:
I own a 2009 Toyota Corolla that I bought Sept. 4, 2008. I have had it at the dealership where I purchased it 7 times. The first time I took it in was Nov. 13, 2008. At that time I complained about the cruise control sticking, I was going 70 mph on the interstate and it would not cancel with brake pedal or switch. I had to turn the engine off pull the park brake to stop, but I had put the car on ACC instead of completely turning it off so I could steer the car. Then when I started the motor again it was like I was driving 70 mph again. A mechanic came along and worked with the accelerator and got it working again, he told me not to use the cruise control, but I still have the same problems with my car. I have less than ten thousand miles on this car.
Comment by Freda on 1 February 2010:
So, so sad for all involved in any incident with these cars My son was killed in a Toyota Corolla with a breaking problem
Comment by michele on 1 February 2010:
I had a Nissan Pathfinder in 2007 one morning I let it warm up for 5 minutes before leaving because I didnt want to leave with a cold engine my husband really scolded me about it. When I got into the Pathfinder and tried to put my vehicle in drive I only made it into reverse. My vehicles engine started running louder and louder and my foot was on the brake pedal. I put both my feet on the brake pedal to stop it and it would not stop the vehicle shot down the driveway I could not get it into neutral or the parking brake would not help. I was in a runaway car heading for a tree thankfully we live in the country and I veered at top speed and hit some medium size trees. The airbags deployed and hit me in the face so hard I thought I had put my eye out. I was taken to an emergency care clinic and my husband didnt believe what had happened but my brother law that was there first said the vechicle was still in reverse postion and it was seen where the tires were just tearing into the ground going in drive. It bent the frame and totaled the car not more than 50 feet from my house. What if I had been in the school parking lot picking up my son? I called the Nissan company and they said I had no way to prove what happened. I could have lost my life or killed someone else.
Comment by Ida on 1 February 2010:
I bought a 2007 Toyota Camry in July 2007. I have felt on a couple of different occasions that my gas pedal was sticking, but thought it was just me. My husband and I had been in a horrible car crash in May 2007. He was killed. I am nervous driving to begin with. After they came out there was a problem I went almnost immediately and traded the car. I of course did not get much for the trade in and I feel toyota should pay the difference. I could not wait to see what they would do. My sons could not take a chance on losing their mother in another car crash.
Comment by carolyn on 1 February 2010:
i was pulling into the parking space at ihop yesterday morning when as I approached the front of the space my car began to acceleate , jumped the cur and almost ran into a man and his dog were ere siitting near the building. Had i gone 2 feet more they would have been smashed between the building and my car. i began pumping the brakes and the car screached into a stop. i was so shocked. i had no control over the car whatsoever. i so shaking after this. i drove to the dealership. i got a ticket for being on the cellphone because i was so nervous. i totally forgot about the cellphone law. when i got to the dealership, they turne me away. the service rep stated that the recall didn’t apply to my car because it was a 2007 and not a 2009/2010. i explained my senerio and he said th best he culd do wuld be to make me an appt to come back monday. i stated that toyota would be held liable for ny tragedy that would occur between the time i left the lot and monday. and parked the car and have had to deal with getting a ride because of their negligence. i called the store manager today monday and got his voicemail so i left a message. i am very upset about this. if there is anything more that i can do please email me and let me know. i feel they should take responsibility for putting the life of myself and my family ij jeopardy. some nerve.
Comment by Shawn on 1 February 2010:
I had a 1998 Camry that I Ioved because it was such a good car. I bought the car in 1999 didn’t have any problems with the car besides the gas peddle would stick every once in a while, but I didn’t think anything about it. When my son turned 16 and got his driver license I gave him the Camry. He had complained to me about the peddle sticking, and once again I didn’t think anything about it. He was on his way to school one morning when I got a call that he was in an accident. He said that he was pulling out into traffic and the peddle got stuck and the car did not accelerate. I didn’t believe him, untill this recall just came out and now it all makes sense. My insurance paid to fix the guys car and my insurance rates went up, They totaled the car out which was a lose because it was a good car. I believe that Toyota should be held reliable for my increase in my insurance up to the date of settlement and what was paid to fix the gentlemans car.
Comment by Kent on 1 February 2010:
Incident: 090929-000573, this is my incident number recorded by Toyota concerning my 2005 Toyota Camry.
As with so many of the above posts, Toyota has brushed it off as a floor mat issue.
As with the above posts, Toyota does not include my year group with the recall, and even if they did, it seems a band-aid approach.
The proof will be in the loss of life and more law suits in the coming years.
A shame, that the company cannot responsibly handle their issues.
Jim Lentz, COO, applies the 1 February 2010 action to his future business objectives.
Nonetheless, based on my personal experience with a runaway 2005 Toyota Camry, I am done with Toyota’s.
If you are a Die Hard Toyota enthusiast, I would recommend that you rehearse your actions for getting that vehicle in park or neutral if you don’t want to be a Die Hard statistic.
22 years ago, I bought my first Toyota. Today, based on the corporation’s mishandling of my experience and thousands of others.
I am through, but still alive.
Comment by shannon on 2 February 2010:
I experienced this acceleration problem a few months ago. I was taking my son to school. When we got off the freeway, my car wouldn’t stop. I had my foot firmly on the brake but it took the car awhile to stop. I was screaming and my son was yelling at me to stop the car. When it finally stopped, I called my husband right away (crying) that my brakes went out. My husband looked at my breaks and everything looked good. It really scared me. (2007 Camry)
Comment by Keith on 2 February 2010:
I have a 2005 Avalon Limited. Every once in a while the car would briefly accelerate and I thought it was just the transmission up shifting. Along with the accelorator problems, the 2005 Avalons are known to have noises behind the dash board, cams that would spin and rattle and needed to be replaced, oil hoses that develop pin size holes and spew oil all over your engine and causes your engine to rattle loudly and loose power, and healights that developed moisture in them. Unfortunatley I have experienced all these problems with my 2005 Avalon Limited and I believe Toyota needs to correct all the problems and design issues their vehicels have in production and just give every Toyota owner a brand new car (same make and model) that is safe and reliabe to drive. If Toyota is serious about regaining consumer confidence in their automobiles, they would address all the known and well documented issues their vehicles have before rolling another car off the line and give every Toyota owner whose vehicle has been plagued by these issues, or is affected by the accelorator recall, a voucher for a new vehicle at their local Toyota dealer. Of course this is after Toyota has replaced all the faulty vehicles on the lots of their dealerships.
Comment by jack on 2 February 2010:
I was just wondering what the current and future economic loss is to Toyota owners because of this problem and the handling of its solution. I would believe the trade in value of these autos is lower today than it was yesterday. Is this loss recoverable?
Comment by Margi on 2 February 2010:
I have had Toyotas my entire life and at this point I now own 3. 1998 Toyota Corolla, 2001 Corolla and 2008 Camry that I just purchased 12/21/09. I was not advised about a recall. The sales man told me the day after I bought my car that my floor mat for the drivers side was in the back floor board and he was not allowed to put it in the car but I could. I thought this was odd so I looked my car up on the internet- which i thought i had totally reasearched before buying and found the floor mat recall. I thought that was b.s. but now I’m scared to death to drive a car which i previously loved! Why were we new purchasers not informed? I think we need to have our loans paid for, give our cars back and be able to purchase a safe car which I thought i had done. Toyota has put my life and the lives of my family in danger. Very interested in class action b/c now my car is worth nothing.
Comment by ihsan h. on 3 February 2010:
can anyone tell me how to file a Class Action Lawsuit against toyota, I just got my toyota camry 2010 last augest which i am paying 24% intrest because they asumed i am a first time buyer and that is the best deal i can get.to rap it up i am paying $300 intrest to toyota company so that i get a car that i park in my garage for 2 months till now because i can`t be sure that my family will be safe driving this peace of metal
Comment by Frank on 3 February 2010:
What qualifies me to be a participant in a class action lawsuit agains Toyota?
Comment by Amy on 3 February 2010:
On October 19, 2008, my sister who leaves in Florida had a terrible accident on 2008 driving her Toyota Rav4. She was in the car with her two children on the back (all three of them had their seat belt on, thank God!) she tried to stop on the stop sign across from her home but couldn’t, she crashed into her fence and kept going forward until she hit the corner of her home, the car stoped when it hit the concrete wall. Her air bag opened, but still she was badly brused, although nothing happen to the children in the back. Her car was a total loss and at the time she thought she was loosing her mind thinking asking herself why the car hadn’t stopped; after the accident, she started medicating herself to go to sleep. As soon as I heard the news all I could think of was her.
Comment by rick on 3 February 2010:
I have a 08 tundra 4×4 I have not had a problem but I no longer feel safe driving it or do I want my wife and child in the vehicle I think toyota should be offering complete refunds on these unsafe vehicles . I am making payments on a truck I can not drive . Great just Great
should have bought a Ford
Comment by Ben D. on 3 February 2010:
I’ve had my 2009 Tundra for almost a year and have nearly 12,000 miles on it. My mother in law has had her 2005 Corolla for almost 5 years with 60,000 miles and neither one has had a problem. I’m not saying that Toyota hasn’t had problems but, reading all these horrific e-mails kind of implies that all Toyotas are death traps. By the way, how many of you people who wrote something on here either litigants or hopeful litigants against Toyota? Even if my truck did have a faulty pedal I’d still buy another Toyota just because their track record has been way better than Ford, GM, and Chrysler. I feel sorry for you folks who legitimately had a problem with your vehicle but, Gladys and Martha your stories don’t hold water. I think your accounts of not being able to shift to neutral and the car not turning off after it was shut down is bull. There is no way an accelerator can affect a transmission shifter or an ignition switch.
Comment by Elizabeth on 3 February 2010:
I, too had a rollover accident in my 1997 avalon, at the time I thought it was just the black ice on the edge of the overpass. I still feel that something else was wrong with the car. It was like the car was possessed. It took off toward the right of the road, felt like I landed and then like the car was possessed took off again toward the left into an highway embankment and rolled over twice.
My boyfriend suffered several broken bones in his neck and was placed in a halo and in a nursing home for several months. We are both still suffering daily from the pain from that accident.
Comment by Robert & Brenda on 5 February 2010:
On June 17,2009 my wife was driving our 2004 Toyota Sienna van across the Lake Ponchartrain Causeway, a 24 mile elevated bridge that goes from Mnadeville ,La. to Metaire, La. I was in my son’s car heading to Metairie to have it serviced. My wife was following behind me in the Sienna van. It was about 8:30 am and the traffic was fairly heavy with people headed to work in New Orleans. The speed limit is 65 mph and I was doing 55 mph waiting for her to catch up to me. After about 3 miles onto the bridge I look in my left side mirror to see the van in the left lane doing a high rate of speed . As it got closer I noticed that the front end and hood of the van was damaged. Well she came by me doing 70-80 mph. She was frantically wave her arms and blowing the horn for people to get out of her way. She was behind the wheel of a vehicle that had experienced sudden acceleration. A quarter of a mile up ahead she ran into the back of a vehicle in the left lane. As I came over a hump in the bridge I saw her trying to keep the van under control. She finally hit the cement guard rail on the right lane which bent the right front tire inward. I believe this caused the engine to stop running. When she got out she was frantically saying that the van had started speeding up and she could not stop it. At first she thought the gas pedal had stuck so she tried to move it with her foot but it was in the normal and idle postion. She tried to brake with one foot then two. Then she tried to set the emergency foot brake by pushing it as far to the floor as she could. Shw even tried to down shift into a lower gear. Nothing work. Later after she had stopped she said she hit a vehicle about two miles onto the bridge. We later found out that the first vehicle she hit had flipped over. But after hitting two vehicles the van would not stop. Only after hitting the bridge railing did the van finally stop. I saw her slam into the bridge railing and the van almost went over it and into the lake. Thank God that there were no serious injuries. My wife has never been the same driving since that accident. We still have a 2003 Toyota Camry that we are afraid to drive. I knew that the floor mats or a stuck accelerator pedal was not to blame. It had to be Toyota’s drive by wire system that they use. Something happened and know one knows. The Sienna van was checked out by three different mechanics and nothing was found. There were no indications on the dash panel. My wife didn’t think or didn’t know about putting the van in neutral. She was too busy trying not to get killed or kill somebody. The van was totaled and I have since purchased another van but not a Toyota. Someone please try to find out what’s going on. There are too many incidents like this on various internet sites involving different Toyotas. The Sienna van is not on the recall list. Yet I have come across several Sienna sudden acceleration problems on the internet.
Comment by Brenda on 5 February 2010:
I have a 2007 Camry that I purchased new in May 2007. I also, on two occasions had my accelerator stick. The first time I was on the interstate and my car reached 90 mile an hour before I was able to get the pedal to release. The second time I was on a two-lane highway in front of my daughters high school when my pedal stuck. This time it would not release and I was going to fast to pull off the road so I had to put my car in neutral until I could get it off the road. I then turned my car off until my brother-in-law got to me on his way home from work. The pedal was still on the floor and when we started the car it was at full throttle after turning the car off a second time and my brother-in-law and husband at this time were unable to get the peddle to release. I had my brother-in-law drive my car and I his truck straight to the dealership. Now let me remind you this was December of 2007 and from what I understand there was never any report of these type of incidents happening until December of 2008. When we got to the dealership they tried to tell me that it was the floor mat and myself and my brother-in-law argued that it was the accelerator and that I was not driving the vehicle until it was fixed. The next day my husband and I went back to the dealership where we were told that they could not find anything wrong with the car. We then told the service manager that I would not put my child in the car until it was fixed that was when he told us that he would replace something on the peddle and that they would supply me with a rental while the work was being done. I wondered at the time why I never received any paperwork on the repairs however, now I understand. I recently went onto the website toyotaownersonline to register my vin# so I could retrieve any work done my car and when I put my vin# in it says that it does not recognize the vehicle. Strange don’t you think. Now, I don’t like the thought of a lawsuit. But, It is very said that people have had to die for Toyota to live up to their obligation. It has been over two years and they still tried to play it off as a floor mat being the problem. As for Toyota trying to compensate toyota owners by giving them $1000 off a new vehicle. What about people like me that don’t want a new vehicle payment, my car is paid for but, want compensated for what my car has depreciated in the last few months. I think that we have seen the last of Toyota’s holding their value. Remember it has just been a little over two years that they were buying back trucks because of defective parts (frames rusting into).
Comment by Brenda on 5 February 2010:
I know that alot of people now are announcing the problems that they have had in the last few months with their vehicles that they have been driving for years. I know toyota is claiming that the accelerator problem could occur from being worn. My problem with my 2007 Camry occured between 15000 and 20000 miles.
Comment by Brenda on 5 February 2010:
I do agree with you Ben D. about one thing. It is a little suspicious that no matter what the make or model of any Toyota are now out of nowwhere having problems since this all surfaced.
Comment by Wynne on 6 February 2010:
My son was in a bad car accident with a 2006 corolla and believes that it was due the acceleration problem. Does he have legal recourse?
Comment by Tricia on 7 February 2010:
My car has a 2 second hesitation. I brought it to the dealer and they could not find a problem because the computer didn’t show one. So much for good ole’ mechanics! They could not reproduce the problem, but I later found on the internet that there are a lot of people who experience this as well. Looks like Toyota is just all around a bad car now! My car is a 2009 Toyota Camry.
Comment by Patricia on 7 February 2010:
After making a u-turn on uneven pavement, my 2004 Camary accelerated with a sudden surge. The car became uncontrollable causing me to rearend the car in front and after impact my car continued to “self accelarate”. I then spun in to an on coming vehicle. This was a very scary experience for me and my daughter. I couldn’t figure out what happened. This occured about two years ago and I’ve always questiioned my self as a driver. Now I’m convinced it is related to the recently released defect. Thankfully, I had the instinct to investigate even though the car is not on the recall list. I’m not sure what to do from here, but concerned about driving in it, especially when my daughter is with me.
Comment by Charles on 9 February 2010:
Toyota- you have got to be kidding! Have you really tried to stop your car when it is accelerating and think the car is going to stop? Who do you think you are kidding; it isn’t going to happen! And you say that it probably won’t happen to most people, but then again, you can’t say who it will happen to. It’s just like a person who drives who may get into a car accident, right? A driver can be involved in an accident at any time but we don’t know when it will happen but we drive anyway? Yea, ok, that is a given but when you actually know that there is a problem and have known it for how long? And you think it is ok to let the Public drive your vehicles knowing that there is a major safety issue, and how long did it take you to actually admit to it after being pressured to do so by the Government? Actually, I think everyone who owns one of your vehicles that has this potential safety problem should sue you for putting us at risk for your negligence for not taking care of the matter on your own until prompted to do so. Yes, I own one of your vehicles involved in the recall but it isn’t being driven at this time because I don’t want to be a statistic as “one of those people who didn’t know it was going to happen to them” when you know it is highly possible and you can’t say otherwise! My car is sitting until the dealership can get me scheduled for the recall repair. Maybe Toyota needs to come and get the car with a flat bed truck. Yes, I am fearful of driving the car. But…what will Toyota do for me, fix it I hope but that still doesn’t take the fear out of driving the car with all of the ( I think this is the problem attitude). So do all of you with the affected vehicles feel OK and comfortable/confident with the so called fix? Not me, please convince me Toyota, seems like there is still an underlying issue with all of the hoopla going on.
Comment by Kathryn on 10 February 2010:
I am concerned that my 2006 Toyota Camry is not on the recall list. While reversing out of a parking place the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a tree then surged forward at a high rate of speed into the parking area with trees I had just reversed out of. My foot was firmly on the brake but the vehicles engine reved and surged back through the trees. Impact with tree on the drivers side first then the vehicle slammed into the tree on the right side. There is no time to react to this type of deadly speed acceleration. When my vehicle did come to a stop it was in neutral. The damage to the vehicle was $4,300, my insurance doubled and I am lucky to be alive and that I didn’t kill someone in the parking lot. The crash was at such a high speed in such a small area that even after repair the car is not restored to pre accident conditions. Toyota has no recall for the 2006 Camry but I have counted 60 to 100 complaints on http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov under vehicle speed control, brakes, ignition etc. Toyota says I will have to pay for the repair which is totallly unfair. My vehicle has depreciated quickly in value because of this defect. I feel as if I am taking a chance with my life and the life of my child each time I drive this car because you can’t get the car into neutral fast enough to avoid a crash. I have also found many other sudden acceleration compaints for 2005, 2004 Camrys. I think this Toyota recall is excluding certain year models due to the huge numbers involved. These numbers are lives and this is a DEADLY safety issue.
Comment by John on 10 February 2010:
In 2009 my 2004 Solara Convertible accelerated and hit an apartment building with my kids in the car.
Comment by seyelda on 11 February 2010:
How pathetic that these so called drivers do not know that all one must do is shift to neutral. Is that so very difficult to realize. Good grief these people should not be driving. They don’t drive—-they point.
Comment by Tammy on 12 February 2010:
AMAZING! I own a 2007 Toyota Tundra which is my ONLY means of transportation. I have not had any issues with the accelerater yet however, I have had my truck to the dealership and they said can’t help me. I called today and they said…….sorry, we can’t help you until you recieve a recall letter from the manufacter??!!! I have two small children and this is just crazy. I explained my concerns but, was not offered any other options.
Comment by janice on 12 February 2010:
In 2009 I bought a certified 2007 toyota camry for my 19 yr old daughter. We did the research and felt the car was safe. Right from the start Krista complained that the car had a accerleration hesatation problem. She would be giving it gas to get on the freeway and the car would not respond, she said it felt like she was floating ,no power. Kristra had to ride the shoulder many times to keep from hitting a ten wheeler comming straight at her because her car did not respond .I had it at the dealership twice for this on going problem. These idiots say they are programed to do that. Excuse me do I look stupid. So I know her problem is caused by the same defect only hers is the reversal of it but just as deadly.
Comment by D Greg on 14 February 2010:
Folks stop driving your Toyota’s. This is what I allege is going on. Here is the problem the engine computer electrical gas pedal circuit is getting electrical interference from a bad alternator diode rectifier bridge on your car’s alternator. Toyota is lying, I allege. When a bad Alternator makes AC current on top of the DC current this is what a bad alternator does. The AC current on top of the DC current on the same electrical wires believe me it works this way when the alternator is bad. More correctly the diodes go bad or are bad in the alternator you get AC plus DC. Well CPU’s in computers are made for DC only. They go crazy on AC. Normally the battery can stop or filter out small amounts of AC from the alternator which is normal on a good alternator. When the alternator is bad the battery can not filter out the stornger AC current voltage and amperage and you have a runaway cpu in your engine computer. Here is the proper fix. Find an old Toyota with a cable linkage accelerator at a junk yard, remove it and fit it into your car. Drill a hole in the fire wall pot it with red RTV or a proper size grommet after you fit in the new cable. You will have to sign a legal waiver for a smart mechanic to do this to your car. Or take the old Toyota car’s parts numbers and order an old mechanical linkage and cable and install it. Pay your none Toyota mechanic to do it. He will ask you do sign a legal waiver if he will do it at all for you. All the Toyota mechanics are afraid to tell you the truth they would lose their jobs. This is what I allege is going on. So take my knowledge for what it’s worth. I have seen the excess AC amperage on DC circuits in both aircraft and cars. The CPU in the computers either act really crazy or burn up so if it were my Toyota I would park it untill I went back to a cable and spring accelerator system. The old system definelty will not make your car acclerate. It can stick when the cable gets old, but usually your car will have to be very old before you would ever see this. Well for what its worth folks maybe your life. Take my knowledge over forty years turning a wrench on both aircraft and cars and get a cable and an old style pedal. Then go join the class action suit sure to follow this dumb engineering mistake I allege. Sue Toyota for their lie. I allege this is what is happening.
Comment by Jennifer on 15 February 2010:
In 2005 I was driving home from work when my 2002 corolla s accerlated to 60 plus mph down a businees street where the posted sign is 45mph. How do I join this suit…
Comment by Anita on 16 February 2010:
I purchased a 2008 Solara in November of 2009 with 129 miles as a new car. It is still under warranty. When I start the engine it revs up and when I put it in reverse to leave the garage it drives itself. It will leave the driveway which is flat go over a slight dip to the street. When I put it in drive it will drive itself 15 to 23 miles per hour without ever stepping on the gas peddal. When I took it to the dealership it would go
up to 3 to 5 miles per hour in reverse and wasn’t sticking at the time in gear. It doesn’t happen all the time. However I was concerned before the news of sticking gas peddals. I find this to happen without ever stepping on the gas peddal. With my car being a year old and still a new car if there was a problem I was not made aware of.
Comment by Ammal on 16 February 2010:
last year i got in a car accident ,because the gas peddle acelerated and i avoided hiting other cars ended up hitting the curbe but it damaged my wheel,and the axle,and i couldnt control it it is very scary now and yes iam frightened to drive i hurt my head and my neck .and i thank God my grandchildren was not with me.plus the insurance co.did raise my rates
Comment by eleanor on 17 February 2010:
Oct. 2009, my father put his 2003 Toyota Camry in reverse to back out of his garage. He did not have his foot on the gas pedal. He experienced unintended acceleration and roared backwards, crossed the street and hit a tree. He has been in hospitals and rehab facilities since. He may never be able to return home again. My father is not a young man, but he has been an extremely cautious driver/person his entire life. He has 100% mental clarity. He does not drink and did not have a stroke. He’s an extremely articulate and educated, honest man. Needless to say, his life and his family’s will never be the same due to this accident. The accident occurred in New Jersey.
Comment by Denise on 18 February 2010:
I bought my new 2003 Toyota Camry XLE in October of 2002. It has problems with the engine suddenly racing. It gave me an awful fright in 2004. I was driving slowly on a steep downhill stretch about 1/4 mile from a red light when suddenly the engine raced, my car sped up. I pressed the brake pedal to slow down with urgency to avoid a collision.
My brakes weren’t really working! They seemed to have no power. I tried no to panic as I put BOTH feet on the brake pedal and pushed for all I was worth. All 120lbs of me were pushing that brake pedal so hard, it felt as if I was pushing that thing clear through the floorboard! I just knew I’d either smash into the car in front of me, and so on, and so on, or I’d have to ditch myself, even though a large phone pole AND a concrete utility box stood in that path.
Thank heaven, I squealed to a stop behind the car in front of me with an ACTUAL distance of just less than two (yes 2) inches to spare.
I’d scared the cheezewhiz out of that angry guy, who got out of his car to get it off his chest! He cajoled me out of my car so I could see how close I’d come to hitting him. My knees were weak, I was shaking. I told him that I’d tried with all my might to stop, but he didn’t believe me–he actually said, “Come on, you want me to believe that? You’re driving a TOYOTA!”
This happened another time with acceleration and braking troubles, luckily I was on an uphill incline with no red light ahead. Mostly, my engine just suddenly races for short periods of time. Because it scares me to drive the car, I take it to and from my local market, and other trips only when I have no other choice but to drive it.
My dealership could find no problems with the car, said they’d not heard of ANYONE complaining of such problems. Regardless, just to be safe, I put 4 new high-performance tires (even better than the custom ones I’d had installed through the dealership before I bought the car!) installed, had the brakes checked, had everything balanced, brakes re-calibrated, the whole deal. If I remember correctly, the car had 7k miles at that time.
WHO would spend that kind of money doing “UNNECESSARY” work on a new car, if they hadn’t been scared half to death for their life? That’s what I said to Toyota as I tried to recoup the cost through my warranties (both Toyota and extended 4yr.-type). They flatly denied warranty assistance.
My 2003(’02) Camry now has 16,476 miles on it. I’m really nervous to drive it.
The vin starts with JTDBF, but the shipping label shows the car was shipped at a mere 2668 pounds, however the curb weight is 3442 pounds! I wonder what parts were installed in the US after the body arrived?!
One thing is certain: Toyota won’t tell.
Comment by deborah on 18 February 2010:
i have had several incidents in which my 2007 tundra has had an increase in speed thinking that it wsa my cruise contra\ol just never use it much now i realize that it is a sticking gas pedaL. i had on iccendent in which i ran in to my sons truck due to a sudden accerteration of speed damaging my bumper i do not feel safe in my truck and would like my money back onmy investment. i called dealershipand the informed me of several recalls and had no solution for recall on truck stated they would start fixing the cars first and did not have a date for trucks.
Comment by albert on 18 February 2010:
We own a 2006 Toyota Camry with just under 20,000 miles on it. Two days ago, my wife pulled into a parking spot in a grocery store parking lot. As she slowed, the car suddenly shot forward. Before she could react, the car jumped a small curb and across a grassy divider and hit a parked car on the other side. My wife suffered a hairline fracture of the spine in the neck and other injuries. She cannot explain what happened. We have had no problems with this car before. It was just in for 20,000 mile service the week before.
Comment by james on 18 February 2010:
my wife’s corolla accelerated while she was parking, it hit a parking barrier and cracked the entire front. we reported it to toyota as soon as we heard about the acceleration problem. all we want is for toyota to fix the car’s cracked bumper, spoiler etc. a toyota rep came out and test drove the car after the gas pedal was fixed and said he didn’t see a problem.
what can we do if toyota refuses to fix the car?
Comment by Kathryn on 22 February 2010:
Please post your comments to http://www.toyotarecall.org to get Toyota to recognize the total number of accidents, deaths and injuries involving unintended acceleration. List your year model so that attention can be drawn to the year models not included in the recall. This is a DEADLY safety issue forcing many people to drive a car that they are terrified of driving because it is their only means of transportation.
Comment by Bernie on 23 February 2010:
My 2009 Toyota Camry accelerated to 105MPH. I put in neutral and worked my way off of I-75. I have been on WXYZ ABC Local affiliate
detailing my near fatal experience.If my wife hade been driving she could have been killed. Toyota lied to me,tried to intimidate me, and laughed at me. They endangered all those I love who rode in that car.
They caused me to have fears of driving I have never ever had. I am willing to testify, or do anything necessary to validate law suits. They did nothing and people died.
Comment by Albert on 23 February 2010:
I worked at Toyota of Southern California research and development center from 2003 -2009 . I leased 2005 Camry and my wife was driving it. One day sitting in the car in gas station waiting for my son the car sped and hit another parked car. I reported that to my coworker and others in the company but they believed that my wife was laying and she probably pushed on the gas pedal by accident. I believe the gas pedal problem is beyond the models indicated. I hope Toyota find the root cause soon and do the proper repairs.
Comment by robinson1991 on 23 February 2010:
I own 3 toyotas and have been watching the news about the “fix” I just read the CEO state that the “fix” won’t fix the problem. What will? Can someone tell me what it means when they say that they should have an engine break system and which cars currently have this system. It sounds like something that should be standard on all cars, much like seatbelts or airbags.
Comment by Susan on 23 February 2010:
I entered into a lease agreement in Oct 09 (Camry 2010). Shortly thereafter we started to hear about the recalls…It seems strange that Toyota had offered so many incentives and deals shortly prior to the recall sitaution. I have a feeling they knew this was coming and thought they could suck people in. I would love to terminate my lease legally…can I take part in this class action law suit? I’ve experienced no problems to date but I feel cheated.
Comment by Jodi on 24 February 2010:
I have a 2008 Toyota Camry and I haven’t had the accelerator problems but have had my car into the dealership a couple of times to be checked out dealing with the recall. I was told that if your vin number begins with a J that your car is not affected -yetI have noticed people on here that have stated that they have had problems and their vin number starts with a J. I’m not sure we are getting the truth about anything. I definitely believe that Toyota should be buying back these cars and paying off our loans so we can buy a car that is safe. I don’t think that we should have to take the hit when we trade it in because values have dropped because of problems that could have been fixed a long time ago-before I bought my car!
Comment by Bertha on 25 February 2010:
I have been a loyal Toyota customer for almost 30 years. I purchased my first Toyota in 1984 (Celica), kept this car for 10 years and traded it for a 1994 Camry LE, this one lasted 14 years. I was so in love with my Camry (even though there was a recall on this particular model due to a steering wheel problem) that I decided to buy another Camry, this time a 2008 Camry LE which I bought in December, 2007. This time I bought the car and paid cash for it, $23,000 . I figured it would be the last car I would ever have to buy since I am now retired and could not afford another based on Toyota’s “safety record” and reliability I would not have to worry.
OMG was I wrong!!. When I heard that the acceleration problem was due to the floor mat getting under the gas pedal and jamming it I removed the floor mat on the driver side and threw it in the trunk. Now the carpet on my new car (only 2800 miles) is all stained, cleaning it does not help. Removing the floor mat did not help the acceleration problem either as I was backing out of my driveway two days ago and as soon as I shifted from Park to Reverse (which I always do with my foot on the brake) the car accelerated and I was lucky that I only hit the garbage bin from my neighbor’s house across the street from me. Thanks to my quick reaction I was able to stop it by putting the car in neutral and slamming hard on the brakes which by the way made a horrible noise.
I am angry because I can’t buy another car, (I live on a fixed income), I can’t sell it because who in their right mind would buy this killing machine plus I am terrified of driving it for fear of killing myself or worst yet killing other innocent people because of Toyota’s negligence. I am also afraid that soon insurance rates will go up for people who own any of the recalled Toyota models.
I would like for Toyota to refund my money so I can buy a safe car that does not pose a threat to my life and the lives of others.
OMG I am so angry!!!
Comment by Joseph on 26 February 2010:
My wife was parking her 2009 Toyota Camry at the beauty salon, when all of a sudden the engine revved up and hit a suburban that was about ten feet from her car. I Thank God that the other car was there and that no one was hurt, but this accident caused us about $3500.00 worth of damage to our car and $5000.00 worth of damage to the suburban that was in front of her car, not to mention the increase in our auto Insurance for the next three years. I feel that we should be compensated for this defect on the part the Toyota manufacturer.
Comment by krishna on 26 February 2010:
My wfie was drivig a new 98 Totoya corolla at 25 miles on a work zone when it suddenly acceleartred for no apparent reason. Since the roads were dug out on this strecth the car went out of control and hit the pavement. The result- mother-in-law sitting in the back broke her spine and nose. Car was totalled. We tried to complain but those days no one would listen. Toyota was the gold standard. Makes me wonder how pervasive this problem has been all along.
Comment by charlene on 1 March 2010:
I lease a 2009 toyota and I experienced a problem in Dec. 09when I was going across the arch st bridge imaking a left turn and instead of the car slowing down when I stepped on the brakes it speeded up. I almost had an accident luckly I swirved out to the right so I would not hit anything . There was another time driving on the parkway south when my car would not stop. I took my car back to the dealer sometime late Dec. early Jan 2010 with the complaint, I believe I was told that my car was ok and later received notice in the mail of my first recall. Since than I have received two other recall letters. There uis also something wrong with the gears ,there is always a funny noise while driving like the gears are trying to change by themselves without me switching them. I am afraid to drive my car but I have no other choice.No one wants to listen, the dealership trys to downsize the problem but I bet they always want their monthly payments on time.
Comment by Irene on 2 March 2010:
This Toyota problem goes back farther than 2005. I had a horrific accident in 1994 when my Toyota Camry took off like it was ossessed and I couldn’t stop it. I finally hit a tree to stop the car and I thank God there was no one else much on;the road ( Dec. 24th) I told the police what had happened and they wanted to cite me for drunken driving. I kept this car in my garage for a number of years but I needed to move and had to get rid of it. I lost my house and my job because of this accident. I still have a metal rod in my leg. This may not benefit me but it may help someone.
Comment by CINDY on 3 March 2010:
MY FAMILY OWNS 5 TOYOTAS. MY SON WAS KILLED IN A SCION XB IN MAY 2009. LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS NO EXPLAINATION ON WHY HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP HIS CAR. THE CAR WAS DAMAGED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SO BADLY AND NO ONE KNEW ABOUT ALL THE PROBLEM WITH THE FLOOR MATS AND ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. WE HAVE HAD ACCELERATION PROBLEM WITH THE TWO TUNDRAS.
Comment by tony on 8 March 2010:
My 96 Toyota took off, in the snow, and spun around on two separate occasions, within 20 minutes. We were nearly crushed by a semi right behind us.
Comment by joannie on 8 March 2010:
My Cambry twice has surged and jumped 15 feet aprx, once in a parking lot (up over the curb &up the incline into some bushes) and another coming out of driveway into the street. I pushed down hard
on the brakes (I was already braking) and put it into neutral. Thank God it stopped it. Both times I was coming to a “soft” stop and fortunately I wasn’t at a crosswalk or behind another car. It was extremely frightening. No mat in my car and I did NOT hit the gas petal. I wanted to trade this in but the value has decreased & I cannot afford a car payment. Toy gave me a case number and was concerned but said the 2004 Cambry had not been recalled. I asked a mechanic if he would consider putting in the part mentioned above by D Greg on 2/14 and he said he wouldn’t. It has to be the electronic system as I had no mat & I did not hit the gas. All I can do is drive it and pray it doesn’t happen again. I might add I have had the car surge while sitting with the brake on. It will surge then let off then surge again – but not w/ the pressure of the two times it jumped forward.
Comment by Donovan on 9 March 2010:
I have a 2009 Camry XLE I have noticed it continue to accelerate a few times after I released the gas pedal I was not going too fast so applying the brakes worked. My dealer clamed they fixed it now by installing some kind of override for the brake pedal. I am still scared as hill to drive but I don’t have a choice. My Camry is by far the best car I’ve ever owned and I think if Toyota had been honest from the get go and not bs most of this could have been avoided. I want to know how I can be apart of this class action lawsuit?? Toyota is full of it and they should pay!!
Comment by Eileen on 9 March 2010:
I have a 2008 Toyota Solara convertible,. This vehicle has not been acknowledged by Toiyota as having an accelerator problem. It does however have the same engine throttle control system as the cars which are baeing recalled. Resesarching the internet, and listening daily to the news, I hear more and more talk about many experts believing the problem is not the floor mats, but a defective engine throttle control system. The most recent incident yesterday, March 8, 2010 in San Diego California, the driver reported the floor mat was not involved. Do I hae any recourse? I am afraid to drive my car!
Comment by Daphne on 9 March 2010:
I am terrified! I bought a used 2009 Camry with 20,000 miles already on it. They say that when the accelerator is worn, it is likely to surge. I have no mats and have had the recall “fix”; but I am still downright scared. Do I have any alternative?
Comment by Terri on 10 March 2010:
On 02/08/10 I WAS BACKING MY MOTHER ‘S 2005 CAMRY INTO MY DRIVE-W AY. I TAPPED THE GAS TO GET OVER THE GRADE IN OUR DRIVE-WAY. THE CAR SOUNDED AS IF I HAD PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR . IN A SPLIT SECOND I HAD BACKED INTO MY OWN GARAGE DOOR. THE COST OF REPAIRS TO THE CAR AND REPLACING THE DOOR WERE OVER $ 5000.00 . THIS ACTION SENT MY MOTHER WHO SUFFERS FROM ALZHEIMER’S BACK TO THE MENTAL WARD FOR ANOTHER WEEK . SHE HAD TO BE PLACED IN ASSITTED LIVING AFTER THIS ORDEAL. SHE WAS CONVINCED I HAD DONE IT ON PURPOSE ! NOW WE ARE SPENDING $3600.00 PER MONTH FOR HER CARE !
Comment by Nancy G on 10 March 2010:
I would like to join a class action suit in California (Los Angeles). Can anyone tell me how I would go about doing this? I have a 2008 Toyota Camry and I am afraid to drive it. Prior to this car, I had a Lexus RX and had consistant problems with it lurching forward at a dead stop. Lexus of Glendale said there was no problem and it was a “feature” of a “smart car” that anticipates the driver’s needs. How lame is that? Even more lame is the fact that I believed them.
Comment by frank on 10 March 2010:
I just talked to my Toyota dealer this morning. he told me there are no problems with Toyotas. According to him, it’s all lies. I wans to join in a class action.
Comment by Steven on 10 March 2010:
I would like to know were do I sign up for this class action law suit? Please anyone who know were I want to first on the list. (2008 camry)
This recall on my car is ONLY a quick fix not the solution.
Comment by celeste on 11 March 2010:
I have a2008 Lexus es 350 My husband purchased for me for my bday brand new. this morning I left my home to take my child to school i backed out of my drive way and started down the street when i noticed accelerator pull away from my foot, and my car “took off” I immedietly pounded the brake!! and they would not work.there were 6 childeren in front of me crossing the street walking to school! I thought to myself “god please dont let me hit them!” I swerved and threw into park. my car jolted for a bit and stopped. Thank GOD. I want in on the law suit. TOYOTA knew about the problem and did NOT give us a choice either! I am a mother of 2 and 5 step children . I am greatly disturbed by this.please anyone with advise…..
Comment by Jean on 11 March 2010:
I own a 2008 Camery Hybrid and it is my 6th Toyota car that I have bought through the years. Untill now I have always raved about the reliability that Toyota cars have given me. Now I am scared to drive my car just worring that something might go wrong with the aacceleration while I am driving it. I hate asking friends to ride in my car due to safety concerns. This is a horrible feeling and it is not fair to all the Toyota customers that are driving Toyota vehicles. Can I join a class action law suite even though I have not experienced a problem as of 03/11/10
Comment by Jan-Marie on 11 March 2010:
I leased a 2010 Toyota Camry on October 31, 2009. I heard on the news 3 days later about the recall and called the dealership and wanted to return it. They were rude and disrespectful to me and wouldn’t take the car back. On December 22, 2009, I was driving on a downhill road, and when I came to the stop light, I felt my driving pedal go down. I fiddled with it with my foot and it seemed to be okay, then when I turned left and went up another hill, on the downside of the hill, I felt it go down again and I looked down to see if there was anything I could do and when I came up, there was a car in front of me and I hit the driver’s side just on his bumper and didn’t hurt him or myself, thank God. I had enough sense about myself to miss him by steering the car gently to the left but skidded right into him. I am 64 years old and have never hit anyone. My car also is having a problem with a buzzing sound when I open the door sometimes, either entering or leaving the vehicle. I also am having problems with the light going on and off and flipping the switch by itself on the overhead. They have inspected it and tell me that they can’t find anything wrong…..How can they say that when still don’t know what they’re looking for.
I am fearful to drive it and have great anxiety when I have to go somewhere. My business and working have suffered as I don’t want to take client’s, family or friends with me in my “NEW” car. This is not fair!
Comment by Lori on 12 March 2010:
I have a 2007 Toyota Camry and my car has accelerated 2 times. Once with my child in the car. There is nothing worse then telling your child it will be fine when you have no clue what the heck is going on with your car. I told toyota this a year ago and they told me theres nothing to worry about and your car has not been recalled. Now, that it is recalled and i advised the girl that makes appointments that my car has accelerated 2 times and i have a 7 year old and a baby the earliest she could get me in was 3 weeks from now. SERIOUSLY?? I am now driving my husbands truck and i do not want my car anymore and i have heard that people that have gotten the fix on their car are still having problems. I probably wont be able to get rid of it either now. Please count me in if there is a lawsuit. I need a reliable car for my children.
Comment by Karen on 12 March 2010:
My mother has a 2006 Corolla. Last Wed. It accellerated as she turned into her driveway. The brakes did not work! She went 395 feet before a cement bird bath, a bird house on a wooden post and a tree stopped her. Her car is totaled. She has some physical injuries and is afraid to drive now. A few months ago, her car did something similar—though with little damage. Of course, Toyota assured us that there was no problem with her car and that it was not on a recall list. My mother has been a loyal Toyota customer for years. Never again!
Comment by Shirley on 13 March 2010:
I had a 2003 toyota solora camry it had less than 23000 miles I took it in several times telling them when driving at times it would accelerate as if I had put on my cruise control they never once said it my be my floor mats they always would say they could not find anything wrong. several months later I had a accident and the car was totaled leaving me now to wonder just what was really the problem and why was the pedel sticking. I always bought toyota now they have lost a value customer
Comment by Cathy on 16 March 2010:
I own a 2007 toyota camry solara. My problem exist with a stuck pedal. When I am stopped at a light, and proceed to step on my accelerator momentarily sticks in a neutral position ,until it releases, while I am still moving forward with the same pressure on the gas pedal. I checked the owners manual and this is what it states: if the engine speed does not increase when the accelerator pedal is depressed, there may be a problem somewhere in the electronic throttle control system. My concern is this problem is associated with the recall, and my car is not on the recall list. I do not feel confident in toyota’s explanation with all toyota cars. I do not know if my car was involved in the 1st recall with the floor mats, throttle control, or the gas pedal. I want to know who made my accelerator pedal and if my car will be repaired by toyota. I do not feel safe, that this problem with the pedal will make my car go out of control. If it is a defective part, has it been determined that when my pedal sticks it will accelerate out of control. With so many other toyota’s being added to the list each day. I want to report that the camry solara should be added to this list. It is not safe to drive. This happens every time I drive the car. I am not currently driving the car. I expect all issues with acceleration be closely looked at by toyota, and the responsibility to repair at the cost of toyota be taken care of regardless of a recall letter being sent out to only the listed cars to date. This is a problem I did not anticipate, with a new car, and know it is due to defective materials used in the production of their cars. Treat all fairly. I can not afford to pay for a repair, and should not be inconvenienced in making a car payment, when a car is sitting in my driveway. Or should I be out on the road driving in a dangerous vehicle that has not been put on the recall list.
Comment by Terry on 16 March 2010:
We had the acceleration problem, last summer…a horrible experience, and were simply told “remove the floor mats”. We’ve also been told that because our car was made in Japan, it isn’t subject to recall, in spite of the fact we had the problem!! The local dealership never documented our complaint and responds that “people are making these things up”. We just traded our 2009 Toyota for a Honda and were told that we’d not get as much of a trade in due, in part, to the fact it is a Toytoa. Are there any class action suits for cars NOT included in the recall?
Comment by Debbie on 17 March 2010:
Funny how all of you are coming up with these stories now, jump on that wagon, see how much money you can get. After all the way of our wonderful country is to turn to lawyers to try to get rich. Accidents happen, Toyota is trying to make right, there are many things that go wrong from toys, to cars, to bikes. But now we all have to point fingers and “what is in it for me” attitudes.
Wow, what you all have become.
Comment by Dudley on 17 March 2010:
My wife purchased a 2006 Toyota Tacoma from a dealer in 2007. It had 19000 miles on it. We were assured there had never been any problems with the vehicle. We started having all sorts of electrical problems. The truck would lock the door when you got out and the key was in the switch, the windows could still be operated with the key out after the door was opened and closed. We then started having trouble with the accelerator speeding up on its own. This always hapened when the sterring was was turned to the left and it was not stuck at one speed, but would rapidly increase on its own. Finally it did it as my wife was leaving for church and the tires were spinning for 40 or 50 feet before she took out our mailbox and did over $700 damage to the truck. We called the sales manager and were told to bring it in the next day. My wife, myself and my tape recorder pulled in to the service bay the next day and was told by the service manager to get that to “get that damn truck out of there”. He then stated that he had checked the accelerator before and there was nothing wrong with it. He had never checked it to our knowledge. I tried to explain that I had an appointment, but he said he didn’t care. He refused to call to another building to talk to the sales manager. After a hour and a half of talking to the sales manager, one of the owners took us for a test drive in the truck. He tried to push the floor mats on the gas pedal so hard that he tore the mat. The owner finally told us to leave the truck and he would have some outside experts check it out. He lied about that. A couple of days later the workers at that dealership said the floor mats had not been fastened to the floor hooks and slid up on the gas pedal. I phoned the owner and explained that my wife had cleaned the truck out before we brought it in to be checked As we started to leave home I noticed she had not hooked the mat back in the floor hooks. I brought this to her attention. I told the manager that had I not noticed the loose mats I might have thought my wife just left them in that condition. I told him that could have caused me to accuse her of leaving them loose. HIS RESPONCE WAS, “THAT SOUNDS LIKE A PERSONAL TRUST ISSUE BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR WIFE”. When he began using the F word I told him what I thought of him and ended the conversation. We were later called by the service manager and told to not bring the truck back unless we could make it accelerate on its own. After 30 years of being a loyal Toyota customer we now own a new honda.