Toyota Recall News: Older Toyotas Had Problems Too

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 17, 2010

By now, almost everyone has heard about the huge Toyota recall involving more than six million vehicles that centers on the safety issue of sudden or unintended acceleration, but not everyone knows the entire story. A recent New York Times report shows that acceleration problems are more widespread and more common in the industry than some auto experts make them out to be.

Two main details emerge from some of the newest reporting on Toyota’s speeding problem. The first is that acceleration problems occur for all makes of vehicles and a variety of model years. That means no manufacturer is immune from these kinds of claims by drivers.

The other main bit of information that some consumers take away from what they’re hearing is that Toyota seems to be consistently underestimating their own problems. For instance, research shows that prior to the recall of the Toyota Camry for model years 2007 to 2010, drivers had already been reporting acceleration problems with even older Camrys. Precise data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other sources shows that it was directly before the recall that Toyota complaints started to spike, and now, with the issue of Toyota acceleration problems squarely in the mainstream media, the issue is not likely to go away on its own.

Government officials are digging into whether Toyota misrepresented or under-reported issues with sudden acceleration in order to save sales. Toyota, for its part, insists that its proposed fixes, a reinforced brake pedal and a brake override system, will fix the problems, but others aren’t so sure, and experts say it will take more investigation to figure out just what’s behind the issue in Toyotas that government agencies estimate has caused 34 deaths and many injuries to date. Specifically, officials are looking at whether electronic throttle systems in newer Toyotas are contributing to sudden acceleration, something that top Toyota staffers have vehemently denied. However, the company is now looking into all possible causes for the problem, while tempting customers back to their brand with elaborate no-interest financing and other offers.

In the Central Florida area, Orlando accident lawyer James O. Cunningham is ready to help locals deal with an injury or fatality from an accident involving a recalled Toyota vehicle. If you have been hurt in an accident involving one of these vehicles, call to get professional representation. Victims of Toyota recall related accidents can call toll free at 888-425-2004 or locally at 407-425-2000. An online form can also be submitted for a response from our professional team.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.