Several Toyota and Lexus vehicles have been recalled as a result of sudden acceleration among other safety concerns. Owners of the folowing vehicles should contact their dealer immediately to find out if their vehicle is safe:

2009 – 2010 Toyota Rav 4
2009 – 2010 Toyota Matrix
2010 Toyota Highlander
2005 – 2010 Toyota Avalon
2007 – 2010 Toyota Tundra
2009 – 2010 Toyota Corolla
2008 – 2010 Toyota Sequoia
2006 – 2010 Lexus IS 250
2006 – 2010 Lexus IS 350
2007 – 2010 Lexus ES 350

In addition, the Toyota Prius Hybrid has been recalled as a result of problems with its breaking system.

Many serious accidents involving these vehicles have now been linked to the involuntary, sudden acceleration of the vehicle. Some of these often fatal accidents were originally blamed on improperly installed or defective floor mats. Others have been blamed on "stuck gas pedals" or gas pedals with a "slow return." Continued investigation indicates that many, if not all of these "sudden acceleration" accidents may be attributed to a defect in the ETCS Intelligent System – an electronic throttle control system which was installed in the affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles as early as 2002.

The defect causes the vehicles to accelerate without warning, often to a very high rate of speed. This spontaneous acceleration may occur whether or not the driver has her foot on the gas pedal.

It seemed that Toyota was not immediately able to determine the cause of the sudden acceleration problems, however, many critics believe that Toyota did know the cause and failed to address it in a timely manner. Toyota may be held liable for the many fatalities and serious injuries which have resulted.

Toyota has recalled over 7 million vehicles in the U.S. alone due to the danger of "unintended and sudden acceleration" alleged to have resulted from various defects including stuck gas pedals and improperly installed or faulty floor mats.

According to a Los Angeles Times report, these "sudden acceleration" problems may actually be the result of defects in the electronic throttle control systems installed in the affected vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called the Toyota acceleration problem "a serious safety issue."

The story in the L.A. Times went on to explain that "[t]he electronic throttle system uses sensors, microprocessors and electric motors, rather than a traditional link such as a steel cable, to connect the driver's foot to the engine." This type of throttle system is often referred to as "fly by wire."

In addition to the recent newspaper story, several experts in the feild, including two former NHTSA administrators believe that an electronic glitch in this system may be causing the Toyota problems.

If you have been seriously injured or someone you know has been injured or killed as a result of a sudden acceleration accident involving a Toyota or Lexus vehicle, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. To learn more about your legal rights, contact an experienced product defect lawyers at Hannon & Boyers today. Call 1–800–545–9100 for a free consultation.