Imagine driving down the highway at 60 miles per hour when you suddenly need to hit the brakes ─ but the brakes don’t work. This is the problem many Toyota drivers are reporting, according to a Southern California Toyota dealer who has filed a defect petition with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The NHTSA has opened a review into the alleged defective brake booster pump assembly installed in the Toyotas. Although many of the models listed in the petition are covered by a warranty repair, drivers currently cannot request a fix as a preventative measure. Instead, drivers must experience the brakes malfunctioning first ─ a terrifying risk.
Vehicle safety defects can cause catastrophic collisions that harm innocent people. Auto manufacturers must be held accountable when dangerous defects are discovered in their products. At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., our knowledgeable product liability lawyers have extensive experience taking on corporate giants that prioritize profits over people’s lives. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash caused by faulty brakes, please contact us to learn about your legal rights to compensation.
Complaints from Toyota Drivers
Brakes are a crucial safety feature of any motor vehicle, and Toyota drivers have experienced a variety of frightening situations when the brakes fail, including:
- Delayed braking at all speeds
- Spongy brakes
- Brake pedal going all the way into the floor
- Acceleration when stepping on the brake
- Complete brake failure
Since 2010, more than 115 complaints potentially associated with the defective brakes have been made to the federal safety agency, and 60 of those involved crashes, according to an article in the East Bay Times. Toyota drivers have reported crashing into their own garage doors, rear-ending or side-swiping other cars, and hitting pedestrians.
What Vehicles Are Involved?
These are the Toyota models that were identified in the defect petition and are under review by the NHTSA:
- 2010-2015 Prius Liftback and Prius PHV
- 2012-2014 Camry Hybrid
- 2013-2015 Avalon Hybrid
How to Report Problems with Your Vehicle
If you drive one of these vehicles, you may have already experienced issues with the braking system. Traffic safety officials encourage you to file a vehicle safety complaint online at NHTSA.gov or by calling the NHTSA at 888-327-4236.
Hurt in a Crash? Talk to an Attorney Now About Your Legal Rights
Have you been seriously hurt in a car accident that was caused by a vehicle’s brake failure? The experienced personal injury attorneys of Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., are prepared to thoroughly investigate your accident to determine exactly what happened. Our respected trial attorneys will fight tirelessly for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Please contact us now to schedule your free consultation and learn more about your rights and options.
