Toyota recalled cars in 2003 because of fears that sliding floor mats would jam the accelerator pedal -- almost seven years before a similar large-scale recall, a CBC News analysis shows.

Critics in Canada and the United States say the 2003 recall shows that sliding floor mats in Toyota vehicles have been a problem for some time and the company should have been more vigilant.

In 2003, Toyota recalled 400 Celicas because of the "potential" danger caused by the mats, an analysis of 12 years of Transport Canada vehicle recall data found.

In 2009, drivers of Toyota models including the 2009 and 2010 Rav4 and Matrix were informed that "on certain vehicles, if the specifically designed all-weather floor mat for that vehicle is not secured by the retaining clip or placed on top of an existing mat, the mat could move forward and may interfere with the accelerator pedal."

The company urged owners to contact their dealer for possible repairs.

Last month, Toyota Canada said it will install a steel reinforcement bar to fix sticky gas pedals that led to the January recall of about 270,000 vehicles in Canada and 4.2 million vehicles worldwide.

The announcement came the same day as disgruntled Toyota owners launched several class-action lawsuits against the auto manufacturer.

Can Toyota save its reputation? What can the automaker do to save its image?