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

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.

They do have hooks that work....the problem is when people don't use them. The accident was the result of a mat that wasn't made for the car and not attached to the hooks was used. So Toyota falls on its sword and recalls because telling people to use the right mat doesn't absolve them of liability.

stupid problem by a stupid company.

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

That can be arranged

009, you report on other topics are listed by other folks, live in a fairy tale with a "Toyota" theme, Brand biased.....Autospies, for what? You arent too good at your job.

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.

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!!!

...the recall does not affect the LS, just the IS and ES

Toyota is a gong show!

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

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

But the RX is, ES350, IS series is. The point is that this is embarassing to Lexus and Toyota to resort to zip ties to fix the mat program. Talk about looking at the glass half full. If had a Lexus, and the fix for the floor mat issue is a kind of zip tie, I would be mad. Buying a luxury car, is a priviledge, and one expects quality materials & workmanship. When a problem arises, that they address it with the same quality. Zip Ties?? how is that quality? Just fix it or make an adjustment & let them know you care. Rather than doing something cheap. Way to go Toyota!! can't wait for the david999, huu to spin this one.

Mason - Lets say I go and get my Lexus or toyota detailed or want to change mats out, you have to cut the zip ties. I bet most people wont replace the zip ties, cause they will forget and this problem could happen again. Great fix. Maybe they will use Yellow zip ties. Lol ... Nice Toyota reliability!

not the RX is not affected

lexus ... it was affected in 2007. They had a similar problem ...

Lexus - In this case it is just the ES350 & the IS250/350. The point though is that Toyota/Lexus is going to use "Zip Ties" to secure the floor mats to the seat rails. That is pathetic by Toyota/Lexus and embarassment. Good news is that if you are having a bad day, think of this & it makes you laugh.

having owned an RX since 2004, I would know if I got a recall for my floor mats. and the answer is NO

Lexus - My fault it was on the 2006 Lexus Rx400. Clips would break off causing the carpet mats to slide forward thus jamming the accelerator pedal.

http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/09-int/2006/lexus/rx400h/index.html

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

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."

Zip Ties? LOL!!!

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.

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

I didn't read the article

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

You're kidding right? Thats about the tackiest thing I seen in a $35K car.

LMAO! ahahahaha yes! You get a boost cause I think you are being sarcastic.

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.

yoohuu, where r u?

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

Vacuuming? That should only be done by paid professionals of course! So they can replace your factory authorized zip tie for you :)

Not owning a Toyota, I can only imagine how the owners manual reads:

Headlight bulb replacement:..... See authorized dealer for replacement
Taillight bulb replacement:..... See authorized dealer for replacement
Checking engine oil level:...... See authorized dealer for oil check
Oil weights and capacities:..... See authorized dealer for for oil fill
Vacuuming under floor mat:...... See authorized dealer for vacuuming

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.

Geuss where my 07' Corolla is?

"Jesus here wins one for NOT being George Bush."

LOL! there is far more TRUTH to that than most believe! just goes to show just HOW FOOCKED UP the u.s. and the whole rest of the planet is today BECAUSE of bush and everyone BUT the average american knows it.