Toyota recalls did not begin this year, but 2010 was when the Japanese automaker鈥檚 reputation for safety took a big hit. Toyota recalled 5.5 million vehicles in the U.S. and Europe, largely due to faulty acceleration and issues with brakes, front propeller shafts, and steering.
The year began with the 鈥渟ticky pedal鈥� recall, where accelerators stick when pushed down, affecting various models including the Matrix (2009-10), Camry (2007-10), and Highlander (2010). In August, Toyota recalled 1.1 million Corollas and Corolla Matrixes for improperly manufactured electronic control modules that could lead to stalling. Even Toyota鈥檚 flagship Prius was recalled 鈥� twice 鈥� for brake problems and then for faulty coolant pumps.
The recalls caused Congress to push for tougher regulation of auto safety and more authority for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, embodied in the Senate鈥檚 Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010. But the legislation has languished, and some are 鈥渓osing hope鈥� that the act will pass in the lame-duck Congress, says Mays.
