Toyota Instructs Dealers To Fix Deadly Floormats With.... Zip Ties?

This is the most stupid recall in history.

— truthpursuit (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 11:40:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Both my Subaru and my Holden have heavy duty hooks that keep the floor mat in it's place.

I'd think Toyota could screw a hook into the floor using a self tapping machine screw, then install a grommet onto the floor mat to hold it in place via the hook. This would look acceptable, as well as would allow the mat to be removed when necessary. This only needs to be performed on the driver's side.

— Shredmo (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 11:44:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

stupid problem by a stupid company.

— carguy68 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 11:49:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Zip tie the rugs to the floor? That is so Ghetto. Surely Toyota can do better than that.

— Camryman (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 12:09:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

I think Auto"SPIES" need at least 5 more threads on this subject!

— Invisible (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 12:13:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Twist ties in a Lexus cabin, this is going to get almost a much bad press as the recall. Time to fire the PR department.

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 12:23:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

this is too funny. So the LS600h, will have ghetto zip ties holding down the floor mats. That is luxury at its finest. Way to go Toyota, clearly looking ahead and leading the technology sector!!!

— BMW4me4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 12:45:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

Toyota is a gong show!

— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 1:28:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Somebody...please tell me this is a joke!

— Need4Speed (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 1:39:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

The LS is not listed as part of the recall...nice try...

— Mason3Robert (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 1:45:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Toyota fanboy's view of the problem = http://fatlace.com/stayfresh/mark/files/07-08-15-es-350-floor-mats.jpg


Everyone elses = http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/image002_opt.jpg

— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 2:10:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Toyota=The New GM.

Why is it that I keep saying this, and I get booed? Im not saying this becuase Iam a Hyundai Fanboy just saying this for kicks. Guys.....LOOK!!!!

These Guys with Such a reputation for quality and excellence are declining in such. Their cars as of late have been half assed milquetoasted efforts, and now the solution to Eastern Bloc Quality Floor Mats in your $45,000 Lexus ES is TO FU-KING PUT ZIPTIES AROUND IT TO SECURE THE MAT???!!

Come on Ya'll!!!!

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 3:57:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

In its recent safety advisory, Toyota offers the following suggestions:

"Should the vehicle continue to accelerate rapidly after releasing the accelerator pedal, this could be an indication of floor mat interference. If this occurs, Toyota recommends the driver take the following actions:

First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle.
If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do NOT pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.
Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.


If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF, or to ACC. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.

-If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
-If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel."

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 4:43:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Ooooo, Star wow, you got me. Is that all you can come up with? A Hyundai Marketing Mistake that will be fixed in 12 months.


Ooooooooooo, nice one!!!!

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 5:25:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Oh and Hyundai unlike Toyota isnt too cheap to actually fix that mistake.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 5:26:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Zip Ties? LOL!!!

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 5:27:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Not to play devils advocate. But if a floor mat forced the accelerator to the floor. I’d yank that sucker out of there in a second. It wouldn’t be a problem. I guess I’m different.

People react to situations differently. But the folks who died (god rest their souls) panicked beyond belief. If they had enough time to call 911 then the driver had enough time to look down at the floor mat and identify the problem.

If I were in a situation that appeared to have a stuck throttle, the first thing I would do is reach my hand down and try to raise it manually. If that didn’t work I’d look to see what the situation was. If the throttle is still stuck, I’d cut the ignition and apply the E-Brake.

For the folks who would say "you dont know how you would react". I say I do know how I'd react. People have driven off cliffs to avoid an amimal in the road. If that were me that Animal would be road kill. I would never turn too far off the road without looking where I'm going first.

I’m not saying that I’m impervious to all situations. Just certain ones.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 5:50:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Is the 2006 IS250 incoulded in the recall? its the wife car.

I didn't read the article

— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 7:00:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

guys, it's not really as bad as you all are making it out to be...

http://cache-08.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2009/10/500x_floormat-zip-ties.jpg

— aarononymous (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 9:03:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

The blogs are ablaze with this ludicrous PR disaster committed by Toyota. This issue will underscore Toyota's fall from grace. It's always been the "little" details that count in life. In the world of brand perception this stinks.

Too bad, so sad it happened to what was once a very good car company.

— acronis (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 9:17:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

yoohuu, where r u?

— nguyenvuminh (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 10:25:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

so what happens when you want to vacuum under the mat?.....oops,

— AMGZING_fanboy (View Profile)

Posted on 10/8/2009 10:27:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

If you made this a Social situation in America Toyota would be the aging Middle American Ethnic White, and Hyundai would be a young Industrious Black Kid who is starting to run circles around his competition. With his competitors unable to match the uniqueness of the Young Black Kid.

Some people think that the Young Black Kid needs to stay in his place, and for others having this kid around is an all emcompassing experience to them.

My Point:

Eventually the Haters lose; Cars or People. The new fresh blood always wins, its nature.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 10/9/2009 2:27:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5   

Stupid fix for a stupid problem. There is no problem if people quit lodging crap underneath the floormats. Does anyone hear an outcry from owners? NO.

The NHTSA has done Jesus' bidding well.

Eventhough this recall was broadcast worldwide for good measure, I have yet to see a lineup of Camry owners rushing back to the dealership to see if there floormats were installed properly (eventhough they have the regular ones, not the all weathers).

Hyundaismoke,
Sounds like someone has a stiffy for whitey, which is typical.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/9/2009 7:05:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Geuss where my 07' Corolla is?

— upwards (View Profile)

Posted on 10/9/2009 9:06:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Yeah but 800 and invisible thats the truth. Its tough you and those like yourself dont want to hear, but that's how america works, so suck it up.

Notice how I put Ethnic white (1900s Immirgant decsendant) in there instead of plain jane white (Whites who have been here since forever) in there.

The Whites who have been here forever=the Big 3.

Latinos are Chinese cars. Just the idea of them having any clout both the cars and the people scares the sh-t out of a lot of people.

But guess what they are not only going to make it big time, but in 30 years the Chinese will be making Genesises and youll be saying hi to President Gonzalez.

The Hungriest dogs will always eventually come out on top.

Hows about that for an analogy? When I speak of social issues and relate it back to cars it just goes way over your head to the point to where you make stupid and ignorant comments such as:

"Academy awards


We have a winner.....The world's worst analogy goes to...(drumroll):

HYUNDAISMOKE!!! with his Toyota is an Old White man and Hyundai is a black kid analogy."


OR

"No, Hyundaismoke deserves a RAZZY award. Most worthless post of the year.
Or a Westboro Baptist Church best congregant - for most racist poster of the year."


That's ok however, as most of you obiovusly do not have the aptitude for that. I keep forgetting that this is a car site, not exactly a brain trust.

By the way huu, unlike Asians at least us Blacks will say what we feel is prudent to say at the time even if its offensive to whites. At least we dont smile in their faces, and make them think we are the good guys just to get crumbs from the table. We let our agenda out in the open.

Though Younger Asians are getting more aggressive; in which I like. Maybe this Generation of Asians will get aggressive enough and bring out a guy that will send me to the ballot box. Nguyen for President, nice ring to it dont ya think?

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 10/9/2009 10:17:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

and Maybe even President Gonzalez will get a Nobel Peace Prize within the first 10 months as pres as incentive to do good works. Maybe the same will happen to President Nguyen too.

That's what struggle is all about, so get to work.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 10/9/2009 10:20:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Don't even get me on that. Ghandi never won the Nobel Peace price yet Jesus here wins one for NOT being George Bush. Wonder if he'll still send 40,000 more troops to bring peace to Afghanistan?

Welcome to America, where results are pointless because someone else will do it, or maybe not since only promises are now the currency.

I think I'll try and cure cancer next year. Hey Oslo, where my cheque?!

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/9/2009 11:15:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I suppose if Hyundai can win an award for not doing anything, why can't the son of God win one too?

Since when are awards a "call to action"? Awards are give due to the results of action. Europeans eat this crap up more than Americans, its almost funny if it weren't so sad.
Atleast he showed some commonsense and donated the money to charity (not like he needed it anyway considering his wife's paycheque up to last year).

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/9/2009 11:20:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Hyundai's Herculean efforts make it worthy recieving a Nobel Peace Prze.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 10/10/2009 1:22:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I think Toyota's next recall after the "busty women injured in crash due to wearing seatbelts under arms" seatbelt recall, there'll be a Toyota recall on accidents due to drivers driving with their side mirrors folded in. Toyota should've prevented drivers from being able to do this.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/10/2009 4:40:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1