Explaining the Toyota Floormat Recall

Toyota is in the process of recalling nearly 4 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles for an issue with their floormats. A number of complaints have shown that the floormats can creep forward and get stuck under the accelerator, which can lead to unintended and potentially dangerous acceleration. (Yes, we know the recall is not official yet, but for clarity we will call it a recall).

We had a 2010 Toyota Prius in our test fleet this week and noted its floormat set-up is similar to Toyotas included in the recall. The 2010 Prius is not included in the current recall, but the 2005-2009 Prius is. Toyota spokesman John Hanson said that the 2010 model uses the same type of floormats as the older Prius, as do many other current Toyota models not included in the recall.

The 2010 Prius, which has only been on sale for a relatively short time, is not included in the recall at this time because there have been no specific complaints filed with either Toyota or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the floormats, Hanson said. However, when the recall is finalized, which could be as early as next week, the 2010 Prius may be included, he said. Other models haven’t been included based solely on the lack of complaints. A number of factors including pedal placement and keyless ignition in addition to the floormats may have contributed to the complaints against the recalled cars.

So, what is it about these floormats that’s causing the problem?

3.8 Million Toyota, Lexus Recalled Over Floor Mats

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration issued a wide-ranging announcement late today that Toyota will recall 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The recall stems from faulty floormats that can become stuck under the accelerator pedal causing unexpected acceleration. The defect is suspected to be the cause of one recent fatal accident.

The recall includes the following models:

• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2004-2009 Prius
• 2005-2010 Tacoma
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2007-2010 ES 350
• 2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350

NHTSA suggests all owners remove the driver-side floormat from these cars immediately and not replace them with anything. Toyota has released a warning for owners including steps to take in case of an accelerator issue. We've posted the notice below.

Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Toyota Camry

Tony from St. Paul, Minn., recently bought a new 2010 Toyota Camry. How does he feel about one of America’s most popular cars? No surprise here: Tony is a fan. Nevertheless, he finds some quirks and minor hiccups in one specific area that he’d like to see ironed out. Read this review — even if it’s just to witness the coinage of “torquey” — and then post your own review here.

Toyota Camry iPod Video

Cars.com reviewer Joe Bruzek takes his eye for detail straight to the Toyota Camry’s USB port and iPod interface. Turns out, there’s an important difference between a cool feature and a cool feature that makes your driving experience better. The Camry’s iPod interface falls into the former category, but with a screen and steering-wheel controls, how could this be? Bruzek explains in this video.

Toyota Offering Five-Year Leases to Comply With Cash for Clunkers

Part of the small print in the Cash for Clunkers legislation is that it can only be applied to leases with terms of at least five years. Most lease deals are for much shorter terms — two to three years — because the allure of a lease is that you get out of a car and into a new one quickly.

Toyota is one of the few automakers we’ve heard of that will offer five-year leases, created just for the program. The 60-month leases are available for the Yaris, Corolla, Camry, RAV4 and Tacoma. One sample offer for a Yaris lease lists a headline-grabbing monthly payment of $79 per month for 60 months. The money you’d have to pay up front is $5,229, but if you deduct the $4,500 Cash for Clunkers credit, you’d end up paying $729 up front.

How much would it cost you to buy a Yaris in the same scenario and own it outright at the end of the term? Financed at 2.9% for 60 months, with that same down payment, it would be $125.03 a month, not including tax or destination.

The lease also allows you to drive only 12,000 miles a year. Offers vary by region.

2009|Toyota|Yaris

2009|Toyota|Corolla

2009|Toyota|RAV4

2009|Toyota|Camry

Hybrid Wars Come to NASCAR

The Ford Fusion Hybrid was supposed to be NASCAR’s first hybrid pace car back in November, but after the race began the Ford Fusion Sport took over. Now, Toyota has announced that the Camry Hybrid will become the first hybrid to serve a race through the finish line in the May 24 Coca-Cola 600.

Is it slightly bizarre that dueling hybrids can be found in a motorsport where the sole purpose is to burn through as much gasoline as possible to rack up a win? Sure, but welcome to the new order of things.

Some have seen Toyota’s move as a slight tweak to Ford. The two companies have been competitive before on issues like whether or not the Fusion Hybrid is the most efficient midsize “car,” or the amount of cargo room in the Sequoia versus the Expedition.

On the bright side, at least a hybrid battle could have some nice consequences for consumers.

Dueling Hybrid Pace Cars (Wheels)