Be Aware of Toyota Problem

Here are links to three stories, all originating in the Los Angeles Times, regarding Toyota’s newly proposed repair to prevent sudden, uncontrollable acceleration. They suggest the possibility that the proposed repair to the gas pedal assembly may be ineffective to address this unsafe condition, as was Toyota’s earlier conclusion that the problem was caused by misplaced floor mats.

According to these articles, some observers have suggested that instead, the problem of sudden, uncontrollable acceleration may be caused by some undiagnosed problem in Toyota’s unusual electronic throttle system. This system does not use a traditional physical tether between the gas pedal and the engine, apparently relying instead on a wholly electronic “fly by wire” –type system.

Toyota denies that any evidence casts blame on this electronic throttle system. My recommendation is that the links to these stories be widely disseminated by email, so that Toyota owners may decide for themselves what course is safest for themselves and their families. At the very least, I suggest that Toyota owners follow up by continuing to monitor these issues carefully.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toyota-pedal30-2010jan30,0,4401302.story

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toyota-recall2-2010feb02,0,1031407.story

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6743567.html