Toyota to recall 3.8 million cars to replace pedal
Toyota has agreed to replace the accelerator pedal with a shorter one on 3.8 million cars sold in the United States as part of its biggest recall in history. Cars receiving the modification will include the Toyota Camry, the Toyota Avalon, the Lexus ES and the Lexus IS.
The recall comes as part of additional action after numerous reports that the throttle pedal was being jammed by the floor mats, resulting in unintended acceleration. One incident led to 5 deaths, involving a runaway Lexus IS loaner and a police officer’s family. Furthermore, as part of modifications on future models, Toyota apparently says they will program all their cars so that pressing the accelerator and brake pedals together will result in fuel cut-off to kill engine power.
One consequence of this paranoid move is that the Lexus IS will become the most boring sports sedan on the market. You need to press both pedals to create a smoky burnout.
The mods will likely make it to all future models.