Toyota is recalling nearly 2.2 million more cars to fix problems related to floor mats that can trap gas pedals and cause vehicles to accelerate uncontrollably. Among the models being recalled: The Toyota RAV4, 4-Runner and Highlander, and the Lexus LX 570, RX 330, RX 350 and and RX 400h.
Toyota is asking a federal court in California to dismiss lawsuits claiming that electronics -- not floor mats or sticky gas pedals -- are the cause of unintended acceleration in its vehicles, saying plaintiffs have not proved there's a design defect in the vehicles' electronic systems.
A House committee continues to press Toyota about what it knew when regarding unintended acceleration in its vehicles. Lawmakers now suspect Toyota of being less than forthcoming about the "new" brake-override feature it's installing.
Toyota is accelerating payments to its 1,200 U.S. dealers for their efforts to help soothe rattled owners of some 2.3 million Toyota cars that have been recalled for unintended acceleration. The company's U.S. sales division will provide payments of $7,500 to $75,000 to help reimburse retailers for extended hours, car washes and other services.
Toyota said Monday that it has begun shipping parts to its dealers to fix 2.3 million recalled cars with "sticky" accelerators and that it will begin sending letters to owners of the affected vehicles later this week. Many dealers will stay open extended hours, some around the clock, to repair the cars.
Toyota says it is considering expanding its recent recall of 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S. to include millions more sold in Europe. Problems with unintended acceleration caused by faulty parts have led to at least 30 accidents.