Major problem with ES350 Sedans Floormats ??
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: CA
Major problem with ES350 Sedans Floormats ??
Here a story:
The National Highway Safety Administration is investigating the Lexus ES350. An investigation is a preliminary step that can, in some circumstances, lead to a recall.
The problem is unintended acceleration. Apparently there have been forty reported incidents of unintended acceleration, eight resulting in collisions and twelve people being injured.
According to Toyota, the problem is a floor mat. If the mat isn’t secured properly, it apparently can jam the accelerator pedal.
It’s the same explanation which Toyota gave for earlier reports of unintended acceleration in the Prius.
If Toyota’s explanation is accurate – and that’s what NHTSA is checking – it raises a question:
Does it reflect more poorly on Toyota for designing a floor mat that needs to be specially secured or on the drivers of the Toyota products that are so unaware that they don’t know enough to keep the floormat away from the gas pedal.
The National Highway Safety Administration is investigating the Lexus ES350. An investigation is a preliminary step that can, in some circumstances, lead to a recall.
The problem is unintended acceleration. Apparently there have been forty reported incidents of unintended acceleration, eight resulting in collisions and twelve people being injured.
According to Toyota, the problem is a floor mat. If the mat isn’t secured properly, it apparently can jam the accelerator pedal.
It’s the same explanation which Toyota gave for earlier reports of unintended acceleration in the Prius.
If Toyota’s explanation is accurate – and that’s what NHTSA is checking – it raises a question:
Does it reflect more poorly on Toyota for designing a floor mat that needs to be specially secured or on the drivers of the Toyota products that are so unaware that they don’t know enough to keep the floormat away from the gas pedal.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 40
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From: Indiana
I've had the 2007 Camry all weather floor mats since October of 2006. (I assume the ES350 all weather floor mats are similar in design)
They have the hooks to hold them in place, just like the stock carpet floor mats.
I'm very happy with the all weather mats, and have just kept them in year round.
As to floor mats in general, I've never had a car where the floor mats didn't shift and often bunch up.
So I don't think having unsecured floor mats shift is a problem peculiar to Toyota.
I love the retaining hook idea, and love even more that my floor mats stay put.
The only time they ever move is when I remove them to clean them.
So as far as this "unintended acceleration" issue, I don't see why people can't just use the hooks, and remember the age old saying.... "if all else fails, follow the instructions".
They have the hooks to hold them in place, just like the stock carpet floor mats.
I'm very happy with the all weather mats, and have just kept them in year round.
As to floor mats in general, I've never had a car where the floor mats didn't shift and often bunch up.
So I don't think having unsecured floor mats shift is a problem peculiar to Toyota.
I love the retaining hook idea, and love even more that my floor mats stay put.
The only time they ever move is when I remove them to clean them.
So as far as this "unintended acceleration" issue, I don't see why people can't just use the hooks, and remember the age old saying.... "if all else fails, follow the instructions".
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From: Canada
Here's the news article :
Federal Agency Investigates Lexus After Acceleration Reports
Story Updated: Aug 15, 2007 at 4:06 PM EDT
By Tiffany Griffin
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report issued this week that an all-weather floor mat can trap the throttle pedal when it's not properly secured, resulting in unwanted acceleration. The all-weather floor mat has been found in a majority of the vehicles that reported the problem, NHTSA said.
Toyota Motor Corp. told NHTSA it sent a mailing to ES 350 owners in late April warning them about improper installation of the all-weather floor mat. The mat should be secured with clips and shouldn't be placed over the standard floor mat. Toyota also said it changed the labeling on the floor mat.
NHTSA is now deciding whether Toyota's actions were sufficient. Vehicle investigations can lead to product recalls. There are 98,454 ES 350 sedans on the road.
Lexus spokesman Greg Thome said because the investigation is ongoing, it's too early to say whether floor mats are definitely causing the alleged defect. Thome said owners should call the company's customer service number if they have questions.
NHTSA and Toyota have received 40 complaints about unintended acceleration, NHTSA said. Eight crashes have been reported, including one that caused a seven-vehicle pileup. In some cases, drivers traveled several miles at speeds of more than 90 mph before they were able to stop, NHTSA said.
Story Updated: Aug 15, 2007 at 4:06 PM EDT
By Tiffany Griffin
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report issued this week that an all-weather floor mat can trap the throttle pedal when it's not properly secured, resulting in unwanted acceleration. The all-weather floor mat has been found in a majority of the vehicles that reported the problem, NHTSA said.
Toyota Motor Corp. told NHTSA it sent a mailing to ES 350 owners in late April warning them about improper installation of the all-weather floor mat. The mat should be secured with clips and shouldn't be placed over the standard floor mat. Toyota also said it changed the labeling on the floor mat.
NHTSA is now deciding whether Toyota's actions were sufficient. Vehicle investigations can lead to product recalls. There are 98,454 ES 350 sedans on the road.
Lexus spokesman Greg Thome said because the investigation is ongoing, it's too early to say whether floor mats are definitely causing the alleged defect. Thome said owners should call the company's customer service number if they have questions.
NHTSA and Toyota have received 40 complaints about unintended acceleration, NHTSA said. Eight crashes have been reported, including one that caused a seven-vehicle pileup. In some cases, drivers traveled several miles at speeds of more than 90 mph before they were able to stop, NHTSA said.
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From: MA
5 threads from this one is:-
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=300688
shoulda searched.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=300688
shoulda searched.
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