Toyota answers questions about latest floor mat recall

(February 27, 2011) Customer frequently asked questions for Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX floor carpet cover recall that occurred this past week.

1. Which models are affected by the recall?
 
Lexus is recalling approximately 372,000 2004, 2005, 2006 and early 2007 model year Lexus RX 330, RX 350 and RX 400h vehicles.
 
In addition, Toyota is recalling approximately 397,000 2004, 2005 and 2006 model year Toyota Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles.
 
No other vehicles are involved in this recall.
 
2. What is the condition that prompted Toyota to take this action?
 
If the forward retention clip used to secure the driver’s side floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly, the carpet cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.  If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than return to the idle position, which may increase the risk of a crash.
 
3. What is Toyota doing to address this issue?
 
Toyota is preparing remedy parts for this condition.  Because the parts are not currently available, Toyota/Lexus will mail an interim notice to vehicle owners to notify them of the recall and to advise them how to inspect their vehicle’s floor carpet cover and its two retention clips to see if they are properly installed. Toyota and Lexus dealers will also conduct this inspection at no charge if an owner is not comfortable performing it.  Once remedy parts are available, Toyota will notify owners and request them to make an appointment with their dealer to replace the floor carpet cover and the retention clips.
 
4. Are there any warnings for this condition?
 
If the driver’s side floor carpet cover is leaning towards the accelerator pedal, the driver may notice it is contacting his/her foot.
 
5. What should customers do if they notice the floor carpet cover is leaning?
 

Customers should contact any Toyota or Lexus dealer for inspection and, if applicable, repair.
 
6. Is this update covered by warranty?  Will drivers have to pay any money out of pocket for this repair?
 
Toyota will replace the floor carpet cover and the retention clips at no charge to owners of affected vehicles.
 
7. Once parts are available, how long will it take to perform the remedy?
 

Replacing the floor carpet cover and retaining clips should take approximately 15 minutes, depending on the dealer’s work schedule.
 
8. What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?
 
Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or at Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.