Toyota to recall floor mats in 2007 Lexus, Camrys

(Adds Toyota response)

WASHINGTON, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research)(TM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) will recall "all-weather" floor mats used in 2007 Lexus ES 350 and Camry vehicles due to complaints they can slip forward and trap the accelerator pedal, U.S. highway regulators said on Wednesday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also urged drivers of other Toyota vehicles, including the Prius and Avalon hybrids, to check the accessory mats to ensure they are properly installed.

The recall involves more than 30,000 mats for the ES 350 and more than 24,000 for the Camry.

Highway safety investigators concluded there was no defect with the product. The problem occurs when the all-weather mats, an optional feature, are placed on top of standard mats. Stacking prevents the top mat from being secured properly, allowing it to slip forward and possibly cause unintended acceleration.

NHTSA data show 40 complaints for the ES 350 believed to be related to the problem. There were seven crashes and 12 injuries due to unintended acceleration. Unsecured floor mats were found in the majority of vehicles involved in crashes, NHTSA said. There were a handful of complaints for the Camry.

In some reports, drivers traveled for miles and reached speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour before the car stopped, safety officials said.

Toyota has acknowledged some complaints were probably related to improper installation of floor mats and will swap that product with a new one, once an updated version is available, a spokesman said. In the meantime, Toyota will notify customers about proper installation.

((Editing by Derek Caney/Lisa Von Ahn/Andre Grenon; Reuters Messaging: john.crawley.reuters.com@reuters.net +1 202 898 8340)) Keywords: TOYOTA MATS/RECALL

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