A defect, because of which floor mats can jam down the accelerator pedal on vehicles including the top-selling Camry and certain Lexus models, has instigated Toyota Motor Corp. to conduct its biggest U. S. recall.

Yesterday, a Transportation Department statement informed that the floor coverings shouldn't be replaced with other mats, as the issue is serious and would affect nearly
3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

Two weeks ago, the Toyota City, Japan-based Toyota had urged U. S. dealers to scrutinize how floor mats are installed. The announcement came after a California Highway Patrol officer and three family members died in a crash in a Lexus that may have had a jammed accelerator.

Irv Miller, group vice president for Toyota's U. S. sales unit expressed, "Toyota considers this a very critical matter and will soon launch a safety campaign on specific Toyota and Lexus vehicles."

As per the Transportation Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota is considering a formal recall.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, "For everyone's sake, we strongly urge owners of these vehicles to remove mats or other obstacles that could lead to unintended acceleration."

Meanwhile, investigations in Japan will also be conducted. Toyota was supposed to extend the U. S. recall to Japan, as per an announcement made earlier this month.