Toyota's Second Recall

Toyota is in trouble for vehicle malfunctions yet again. The company, once considered one of the highest qualiity automobile makers, had a large recall in 2009. The 2009 recall came in three installments. The first recall began on November 2, 2009, due to the misplacement of floor mats under the gas pedal. Gas pedals were becoming stuck, causing vehicles to accelerate uncontrollably. The second recall took place January 21, 2010, after it was discovered that the floor mats were not the definite cause for the gas pedal's malfunction. In February of 2010, Toyota recalled anti-lock brake systems in their hybrid vehicles. These recalls totaled approximately nine million vehicles.

The latest recall will repair 2.17 million vehicles. Toyota agreed to partake in the recall to close the investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA). Toyota also paid $48.8 million for fines due to its three previous recalls. The latest recall includes 4Runners made between 2003 and 2007, RAV4's from 2006 to 2010, and a variety of Lexus models. Although Ford also recently recalled certain automobile models, it is widely speculated that Toyota only issued this recall to end the NHTSA's investigation of the company.