Personal Injury Law

Toyota Considers another Recall - Toyota Corolla and faces consumer backlash with Class Action Lawsuits

By LaBovick Law

Toyota owners, there is a new problem facing yet another popular Toyota brand, the Toyota Corolla.  Driver complaints of  power steering related problems are causing Toyota to consider a recall of the very popular subcompact Toyota Corolla. 

This potential new recall may come in addition to the Toyota recall of approximately 8.5 million vehicles worldwide due to floor mat hazards, sticking gas pedals, and braking problems. Toyota has yet to disclose the vehicle model year(s) or regions that may be affected.

Reports show that the most recent Data from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), puts the alleged death toll due to Toyota vehicles at 34 deaths since 2000, with the numbers continuing to rise.

According to Toyota quality controls executive, Shinichi Sasaki, Corolla drivers may feel as if they were losing control of their ability to steer. Sasaki also mentioned that a link between the Corolla's possible steering problems might involve the vehicle's braking system or tires.

Word of this new issue comes on the heels of Toyota President Akio Toyoda's statements regarding the forthcoming U.S. Congressional meeting. During a recent news conference, Mr. Toyoda stated that he does not plan to appear before the Congressional committee scheduled for February 24. Rather, he stated that he wanted to remain focused on improving the quality and image of his company on a global scale.

Toyota owners continue to address complaints to Federal safety officials about the potential problems. With approximately 100 reported complaints regarding the possible steering trouble, Toyota is poised to take yet another blow to its already tarnished image. When will this saga end?

In addition to decreases in the company's image and stock value, news of this potential new recall, in conjunction with the other worldwide recalls, continues to draw legal woes for Toyota. According to the Financial Times, Toyota is facing a multitude of class action lawsuits in the United States that may cost the automaker billions of dollars. Experts estimate that more than 40 suits have been filed against Toyota under federal and state law. Claims reportedly involve wrongful death, personal injuries, property damage, and more.

Toyota is working to determine the source of the Corolla complaints and has not ruled out the possibility of issuing yet another recall.  Toyota sold roughly 1.3 million Corollas worldwide in 2009, making it the best-selling car in the world.

To read more on Toyota's latest woes regarding the looming Toyota Corolla stering probe and possible recall, click on the following links to New York Times, CNN,  Financial Times (Registration Required) and the WSJ Blog.

Full post as published by LaBovick Injury Law Blog on February 17, 2010 (boomark / email).