general problems of the 2001 Lexus LS430

Approached an intersection with a red light while driving approximately 40mph. When I pressed my brakes from about a block away, my 2001 Lexus Ls430 suddenly surged. I had two feet on the brake and also tried to put the car in neutral, then park. The car did not slow down. Was going approximately 50mph when I rear-ended someone because my car would not stop. My car was totaled, both driver and passenger airbags deployed. I was using the floor mat that came with the vehicle and it was fastened. I filed a complaint with Toyota the day after the accident, and received a response on Jan. 21, 2010. Toyota stated in the letter that they found no sticking of the accelerator and that it was virtually impossible for both the brakes and the throttle to fail at the same time.

: the contact stated while backing out of a parking space, the vehicle suddenly lurched backwards while brake pressure was applied. The engine roared loudly. The vehicle was placed in park and lurched forward 5 feet striking a concrete pillar. A bystander intervened and turned off the ignition. Although there was a crash, the police were not contacted. The passenger sustained minor injuries after striking the dash. Both occupants of the vehicle were wearing seat belts. The vehicle was driven to a dealer to await inspection by a manufacturer representative.