Toyota’s problems began in September 2009, when drivers began having unintended acceleration problems with their vehicles. This included several models of both Toyota and Lexus, including its best sellers, the Camry and Corolla, growing to include 4.3 million cars worldwide. The company was first saying that the problem was caused by floor mats of the wrong size that interfered with the gas pedal.

Second Toyota Recall

The situation worsened when a second recall was announced in January 2010, two months after the original floor mat recall. The unintended sudden acceleration problems had continued, even on vehicles involved in the first recall. It involved accelerator pedals that would stick, causing them to be hard to depress, delaying its return, or causing it to stay down. This recall affected about 2.3 million cars made between 2005 and 2010, including popular Prius hybrid.

Implications of Recalls

This recall has had a severe impact on the company. In February, production and sales of eight affected models were stopped in the United States. Major car rental companies have removed them from inventories. Research involving more models is continuing. As investigations, allegations, and lawsuits grow across the country in the wake of the January recall, auto experts report that Toyota's assessment is not correct. After Toyota's announcement of the manufacturing defect on the gas pedal, many experts are claiming that its electronic throttle system is the real culprit. This happened after more complaints were coming from owners with the electronic throttle system. The company's leaders however, disagreed, insisting that only the gas pedal problem is involved, and the electronic throttle system has nothing to do with it.

U.S. Government Intervention

Transportation secretary Ray Lahood said that all vehicles involved in the January recall should not be driven until they are examined and repaired at a certified Toyota dealership. He later amended his comment by saying he only meant they should be driven carefully until the problem is solved. Toyota has since announced that a solution has been discovered, consisting of a shim that would be attached to the gas pedal of all affected vehicles, eliminating the friction problem.

Third Recall

In February 2010, a third recall was announced. This involves the brake system of 2010 Prius and Lexus hybrid cars. Sales of both are predominantly in California, where a nationwide class action lawsuit has been filed. It alleges that the company was well aware for quite some time about the problem, but continued pretending not to know. Owners have reported a delay between pressing the brake pedal and the car stopping. Some drivers reported their cars continuing to move about 100 feet before coming to a halt. Auto experts attribute this to the electronic system software. The Prius is the top selling hybrid car in the world.

Fourth Recall

A fourth recall in February involves about 7,300 Toyota Camry cars for a possible power steering pressure hose of insufficient length. This could cause a gap between the crimp and the brake tube in the left rear brake. It could cause the tube to break or split, spilling brake fluid. It could cause loss of stopping power, and potentially an accident. Toyota dealerships will accept any Camry in need of a new power steering hose or brake tube for a free replacement.

Fifth Recall

The latest Toyota recall announced in February involves 8,000 Toyota Tacoma 2010 model four wheel drive pickups over the possibility of defective drive shafts. According to the company, the front shaft may include cracks from a manufacturing defect. This could lead to eventual separation of the drive shaft at the joint. Specific lot numbers are affected, they are stamped on the front drive shaft. All owners must check there, and if the listed number is one of those affected, go to an authorized Toyota dealer.