The Toyota Acceleration Problem -
Follow-up
An unstoppable Lexus which "topped speeds of 120 mph before launching off an embankment and crashed and burst into flames in Santee," according to the Associated Press.
A passenger called 911 and said they couldn't stop the speeding car just before the deadly crash.
Four people were killed including the driver, a California Highway Patrol officer, and three family members.
A preliminary investigation indicated the accelerator may have become entrapped by a rubber floor mat, sheriff's Sgt. Scott Hill said.
The question that most people ask is why didn't the driver simple turn off the engine and car.
The car in question was a Lexus ES 350 which does not use a key. Now Toyota has issued a warning for both Lexus and Toyota Models regarding the power button which replaces the traditional turn-key ignition switch. With the button the car can't be turned off in an instant in an emergency.
In issuing its warning, Toyota tells owners to "make sure that they don't just tap the button in an emergency. Press it steadily for three seconds." Three seconds might seem like an eternity in a panic situation.
Consumer Reports offers "How To Cope With Sudden Unintended Accelleration...Five Steps That Could Save Your Life" (large PDF file, allow time to open) |
Toyota Is Not Alone...Ford Too Recalls
While Toyota is on its heels to recall all the 37,000 2010 Prius that have reported braking issues, its largest rival Ford is right behind with the 17,600 hybrid sedans getting their braking systems checked and repaired.
The Dearborn automaker has announced a software update for its 2010 Fusion Hybrid and the Mercury Milan Hybrid manufactured before 17th October, after the issue was detected by the research firm Consumer Reports. The two sedans are stated to be called for the replacement of the software that works with the braking system of the cars.
According to Ford, the drivers may initially perceive the situation as a brake failure but assures that the vehicle has full braking capability and the system maintains full conventional brakes and full ABS function. It has been reported that Ford was well acquainted with the glitch and had also was aware of an accident that had caused a minor injury to the driver.
Ford announced its software "customer's satisfaction program" on Thursday with Ford's spokesman Deep mentioning that it was called so, as the car still maintained its full conventional braking. The customers will be notified by mail starting in early February 2010, after which they may get the software reprogrammed and have their cars fixed without a charge at the dealerships.
While Toyota has been criticized for keep the braking issues in its hybrid models under the cover, Ford preferred not splotching its image by keeping quiet any longer. "Ford uses a different braking system and suppliers from Toyota," said Deep, "We are proactively taking action," although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has made no legal investigation of the matter.
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Honda Recall
A Honda recall was announced, just days after a massive Toyota recall.
A Honda recall was been announced, Jan. 29, 2010, just days after a massive 2010 Toyota recall affected 2.3 million vehicles.
The 2010 Hoyota recall affects some 646,000 cars and was announced due to an apparent window issue.
The concern is that window switches can overheat if exposed to liquid, causing smoke, melting or even a fire, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The Honda recall, like the Toyota one, comes at a "bad time for the industry as it struggles to lure buyers back to showrooms after a sales slump," per The Globe And Mail.
Jazz models, known as Fit in some countries, are affected by the Honda recall, which spans the globe but does not include Japan itself.
Follow Auto Recall News
The National Highway Traffic Safety Admistration maintains a website where you can track auto recalls...you can even get email updates from the NHTSA. CLICK HERE for more information.
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