Toyota Knew of Sliding Floor-Mats in 2003

According to an investigation by CBC, Toyota knew of the sliding floor-mat issue, the root of the recent mass recall, back in 2003. Here is an excerpt from their report:

"Toyota recalled cars in 2003 because of fears sliding floor mats would jam the accelerator pedal — almost seven years before a similar large-scale recall, a CBC News analysis shows.

Critics in Canada and the United States say the 2003 recall shows that sliding floor mats in Toyota vehicles have been a problem for some time and that the company should have been more vigilant.

In 2003, Toyota recalled 400 Celicas because of the 'potential' danger caused by the mats, an analysis of 12 years of Transport Canada vehicle recall data found.

The warning read in part: 'On certain Panasonic Edition vehicles, the driver's floor mat may slide along the interior floor carpet when pressure is applied to the mat by getting in or out of the vehicle. As a result the floor mat may come in contact and interfere with the accelerator pedal.'

Owners of the Celica were urged to have their dealer install new floor mats and clips to keep the carpets in place.

In 2009, drivers of Toyota models including the 2009 and 2010 Rav4 and Matrix were informed that 'on certain vehicles, if the specifically designed all-weather floor mat for that vehicle is not secured by the retaining clip or placed on top of an existing mat, the mat could move forward and may interfere with the accelerator pedal.'

The company urged owners to contact their dealer."