The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today advised owners of specific Toyota and Lexus models to remove their driver's side floor mats. According to the NHTSA, some floor mats can cause the gas pedal to stick, creating a potentially fatal situation.
The affected models follow:
• 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
Earlier this month, it is believed that a stuck floor mat in a Lexus ES350 caused a crash that killed a California Highway Patrol officer and his family of three. According to the NHTSA, Toyota and Lexus will launch a safety recall soon. Some 3.8 million vehicles are expected to be affected by the recall.
Whether the problem is improperly secured mats, bulky and poor fitting aftermarket mats, or an issue of gas pedal clearance, the NHTSA is taking no precautions. "The agency strongly recommends taking out removable floor mats on the driver's side in certain models and not to replace them with any other mat, either from Toyota or any other brand," it said in a statement.
Thanks to: Motor Trend