In an unprecedented move, Toyota Motor Corp. has stopped the sales of eight of its models involved in a recently issued auto product defect recall because the accelerator pedals can become jammed causing these vehicles to accelerate suddenly. The Los Angeles Times reports that Toyota will stop the production and sales of eight models affected by the recall including the top-selling Corolla and Camry until the problem can be evaluated and fixed. These auto product defects have proven to be extremely dangerous because of their potential to cause serious injuries and deaths.

Sales Halted

As of January 26, 2010, Toyota has stopped all sales of the 2009 to 2010 RAV4, 2009 to 2010 Corolla, 2009 to 2010 Matrix, 2005 to 2010 Avalon, 2010 Highlander, 2007 to 2010 Tundra and 2008 to 2010 Sequoia. It is also halting sales of certain 2007 to 2010 Camry sedans, depending on where those vehicles were manufactured. The eight models affected represent 57 percent of the auto maker’s 2009 sales in the United States.

Not a New Problem

Toyota started issuing massive defective auto recalls last fall after a San Diego car accident, which killed California Highway Patrol officer Mark Saylor and three members of his family. Saylor was driving a loaner Lexus when the car’s accelerator pedal jammed and the vehicle accelerated to speeds of about 120 mph eventually ending in a fiery crash. Toyota has recalled more than 5 million vehicles in connection with the sudden acceleration issue.

However, a recent Los Angeles Times’ review of federal records showed that more than 1,000 Toyota and Lexus owners have reported incidents including serious personal injuries involving “sudden acceleration” since 2001. According to the in-depth, investigative report, these owners reported that their cars suddenly accelerated on their own, “in many cases slamming into trees, parked cars and brick walls, among other obstacles.” These car accidents apparently resulted in at least 19 deaths and numerous injuries over the last 10 years.

Too Little Too Late?

It’s a positive step for Toyota to stop sales of its defective vehicles until they find a fix to these serious problems. But there is no explanation for the auto maker’s constant attempts to put their superior image and profits over the welfare and safety of their consumers. There was yet another investigative piece in the Times, which showed that Toyota has consistently attempted to sweep these and other product defects under the rug. This is not at all surprising to us, auto products liability lawyers who represent many victims who have suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of defective autos. Toyota’s case only reemphasizes the fact that production and design defects exist in all industries. We need our large corporations — be it pharmaceutical companies, toy manufacturers or auto makers — to start taking responsibility for the products they put in the market.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.