Toyota Motor Corp. has expanded its vehicle defect recall to include 1.1 million more vehicles to the 4.2 million already recalled due to defective floor mats that can cause the gas pedal to get jammed, according to a CNN news report. In an unprecedented move this week, the Japanese auto maker stopped production and sales of eight of its vehicle models, including its top-selling Corolla and Camry models. Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles over the defective floor mats as well as another issue relating to accelerator pedals that can stick and cause sudden, unintended acceleration.

Defective Floor Mat Recall Expanded

The latest recall as of January 28, 2010, involves the defective floor mat issue. This recall includes the 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe. General Motors’ Pontiac Vibe is included in the recall because the Vibe and Toyota’s Matrix were produced under a partnership between the two companies.

Of course, the defective floor mats and the sticky accelerator pedals are serious issues, which can result in major car accidents causing catastrophic injuries or deaths. Almost all of the vehicles involved in the stuck pedal recall are also involved in the floor mat-related recall. They are the 2009-2010 Toyota RAV4, Corolla and Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe; the 2005-2010 Avalon; 2010 Highlander; 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia; and some 2007-2010 Camrys.

Toyota is apparently working with their pedal suppliers to come up with a new pedal design. This will then be submitted to federal safety officials for final approval. The stuck pedal recall has also been expanded to Europe this week. It’s not clear yet how many vehicles are involved in that recall.

Serious Repercussions

Toyota’s stock took a plunge after news of their halt in sales and production of eight models. That’s only the beginning. These product defects are going to have a tremendous impact on the company’s financial health and possibly, its future. Toyota’s story should definitely be a lesson to other auto makers and product manufacturers. Had Toyota paid attention to the sudden acceleration problem years earlier, when they learned about it, this may not have become such a big issue. More importantly, it would have saved many lives and numerous consumers from suffering serious personal injuries, which likely, turned their lives upside down.