BY JESSICA PALL AND MINDY PIERCE
Lions’ Pride Sports Editor

It was September 30, 2009, and the car pedal was stuck to the floor mat causing the Lexus to accelerate and remain at a speed of 120 mph before crashing at the end of the freeway. A 911 call made by an off-duty state trooper frantically asking for help recorded his last few minutes before his fatal car crash, which killed him and three members of his family. This fatality spurred the 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus recall who had known for two years about the problem.

Thus, important recall information affects those Saint Leo students and faculty who are owners of Toyota vehicles.

“I drive a ’05 Corolla and my brother drives a ’09 Corolla,” Junior Matt Attal says. Although Attal’s car was not under the recall list, his brother’s car was. After calling the dealership, however, Attal said the dealership told them they didn’t need to bring the car in because his part was made in Japan.
“Overall,” Attal said, “The Toyota dealership didn’t seem that concerned with the recall, when it is a big issue.”

After hearing Toyota’s announcement of not being able to fix the problem, Saint Leo Junior Travis Vanburen said, “They better find a solution fast because people are running into things and getting hurt.”

Specifically, according to Toyota, the latest two recalls are the sticking accelerator pedal and the floor mat entrapment. The pedal recall is due to faulty mechanisms which may mechanically stick in partially depressed position or return slowly to idle position. The matt recall is due to unsecured, ill fitting floor pads which may interfere and impede with the accelerator pedal, causing it to become stuck.

It is important to know what to do if one has an emergency situation due to a faulty Toyota part. If the gas pedal is sticking, make sure to put the car in neutral as soon as possible.

On February 8th, Toyota told consumers that they are taking three steps to fix these problems. First, Toyota is sending letters to owners involved in the recall to schedule an appointment at their local dealer. Secondly, dealerships have extended their hours to help fix the cars, some extending their hours to 24/7. Lastly, they have trained technicians who are currently making repairs.
From Toyata.com here is a list of the current models which are being recalled for some adjustment.

2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Camry
2009-2010 Corolla
2008-2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Matrix
2004-2009 Prius
2010 Prius
2009-2010 RAV4
2008-2010 Sequoia
2005-2010 Tacoma
2007-2010 Tundra
2009-2010 Venza

Toyota makes it clear to consumers that they are ashamed of the loss of trust due to the recall, and have put out commercials where they have given many Americans a little hope for their faulty Toyota’s.

On February 5, Toyota released this statement, “Ensuring your safety is our highest priority. We will continue to update you with accurate and timely information about the status of the recall in the days and weeks ahead.”

For further information and help call Toyota Customer Experience Center at #1-800-331-4331.