Have you removed your driver's side floor mat?

[David Beale]

Someone asked if the 2010 mat system is different from the 2004-2009. It isn't. The mats are different, but both models have ferrules in the carpet, with hooks installed in the ferrules. The mats have ferrules that the hooks connect to. I just had a good look at the local dealership. I'm still keeping my mats. I'm still using the Weathertech mats in the winter. Even though -they- are not using the hooks.

[FBear]

I can't believe that this is actually a recall. I have had many cars with the similar floor mat system and have never had a problem. The other thing is you really must have to mash the gas pedal down to get it to go that low that it will hook on the edge of the mat. I will not remove the mat.

[Rokeby]

FWIW, today I had a 30k oil change and wheel rotation done for my
'08 at a local dealer. I kept my OEM carpet mats in place to
see if they would generate any comment on the "recall."

Nary a word, either on these mats or the all weather type. This of
course could just be the dealership/Service Writer/Techs not yet
getting the word through "official channels," whatever they might be.
I thought there would be a great hue and cry, given the numerous
warnings in the Owners Manaul for "biggies" like being careful not
to hit your head when the overhead sunglasses holder door is open.


I'm standing pat on my belief that the OEM carpet mats with the
clips and studs on the back don't present a problem, and they'll stay.

I have no experience with or opinion about the heavy all-
weather/rubber mats.

[EDIT: Hmm, come to think of it, my OEM carpet mats were part of a
port installed, Take-it-or-no-sale options package that I didn't want;
also included the rear bumper cargo step graphic and the first aid kit.


Given the recall, I wonder if I should demand my money back for the mats?
I'll even surrender the as yet unopened first aid kit to sweeten the deal.
]

[ivanbg]

I don't get it. Even if the pedal gets stuck why can't they stop the car. The breaks are more powerful than the engine. If you hold the power button the car turns off or if you switch to neutral it goes into neutral.

[Shawn Clark]

Originally Posted by Silver bullit

I live in San Diego where this tragedy occurred and I believe it was a passenger who called 911. The CHP officer who was driving specialized in safety inspection of vehicles.

Reminds me of an old George Carlin routine about words that you didn't want to appear in your obituary. "Lingering" was one of the words, "ironic" was another, because he said that it meant you died doing something you were supposedly good at.

[swi66]

I don't know if this link was posted yet or not.
Explaining the Toyota Floormat Recall - KickingTires

[Silver bullit]

In fairness to the officer the car was a loaner while his vehicle was being serviced at the dealership. I have serious doubts that the floormat was the problem.

[NYCNewsGuy64]

No, nor do I plan on. I regularly check the hooks to make sure they are in place. Funny thing.... before all this recall BS happened I got my new '09 Prius and this little bag was on the floor when I drove it from the dealership. Turned out to be the clips with no instructions. I figured out what they were and installed them. I'm glad I did. Why didn't my dealership? I wonder if the car where the 5 people died had these clips installed or if they were in a bag and the family had no idea what they were for??

[Eoin]

Even if the accelerator was stuck, why could the person not just turn the power off?

[yadax3]

http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-09-03/news/local-county-news/memorial-for-chp-officer-mark-saylor-family-set-for-saturday

Apparently these weren't the first deaths attributed to this issue. http://news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20091005/bs_prweb/prweb2992294_1

Since Toyota settled the case, I think they should have at least issued a warning so that people would know to take preventative measures and how to respond in the event of an emergency.

Who knows - maybe the Saylor family would be alive today.

In any event, I for one am glad to have this information now. My 4 year granddaughter rides in our Priuses (or is it Prii) on a regular basis and I hate to think about this happening to us and whether I'd have been able to prevent a catastrophe without knowing what I know today.