Toyota Motor Corporation recently announced two safety recalls that involve issues relating to the accelerator pedal of its automobiles. The first recall on November 2, 2009 is called "Floor Mat Entrapment," and addresses problems caused by an incompatible, or out-of-place driver's side floor mat. The second recall on January 21, 2010, "Sticking Accelerator Pedal," refers to the accelerator pedal getting stuck in the wide-open position.
Both of these defects can cause unintended acceleration, which can cause the driver of the vehicle to lose control, be unable to slow the vehicle down, or bring it to a stop altogether--resulting in serious injury, property damage, and even death.
As of January 2010, Toyota has announced recalls of approximately 9 million vehicles nationwide for the pedal entrapment/floor mat problem, and for the accelerator pedal problem.
