Recalled Toyota floor mats may be more dangerous than first thought

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Toyota recently recalled nearly 4-million floor mats because they're potentially dangerous, but new numbers show they may be more deadly than first thought.

New numbers from federal defect investigation records show more than 1,000 Toyota owners have reported sudden, spontaneous acceleration, possibly due to a faulty floor mat. Originally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said there were 100 similar incidents, including five fatal accidents. New numbers show nearly 20 fatalities may be linked.

In September, Toyota recalled nearly 3.8 million cars because the driver's side floor mats don't fit and can get stuck under the gas pedal, causing serious accidents. The recall is the largest the company has ever issued. If you own one of the recalled cars, remove the mat and set up an inspection with a Toyota dealership.

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