The 2006 RAV4 sports utility vehicle is one of the recalled models (courtesy AP).
The multinational firm announced Thursday morning that it is recalling once again nearly 2.2 million vehicles in the United States, mostly SUVs. This latest recall raises the total number up to 14 million vehicles recalled since late 2009.
In the models recalled, unsecured or inappropriate floor mats may retain the accelerator pedal once completely pushed down, causing unintended acceleration. Toyota will replace the floor carpets and fastening clips.
Lorenzo Serrano, General Manager of Toyota Central talks about what customers should do if their car is recalled. (Video by Jacquie Levy)
The vehicles involved are:
2008 through 2011 Lexus LX 570
2006 through 2010 RAV4
2006 through 2007 GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel-Drive
2004 through 2007 RX 330, RX 350 and RX 400H
2004 through 2006 Highlander and Highlander HV
2003 through 2009 4Runner SUV
Last month, NASA engineers evaluated electronic circuitry in Toyotas and dismissed the option of a flaw in the software that would cause unlikely acceleration (watch story on atvn.org).
A dramatic crash that killed 4 people near San Diego in 2009 raised awareness of the accelerator issue among company officials. Since then, safety concerns have affected the sales and led to Congressional hearings.
In a news conference on Feb. 8, officials said a brake override system had been installed in the newest Toyota models to prevent unintended acceleration.
