Sudden acceleration: Toyota admits its runaway-car situation is serious

Toyota initially blamed floor mats, then it launched another huge recall. Now, the Japanese car giant is halting sales of some of its top-selling models to address mechanically sticking gas pedals. People want answers.

Fri, Jan 22 2010 at 3:58 PM EST

ACCIDENT PRONE? Are Toyotas susceptible to sudden acceleration? (Photo: ABC-TV)

As we’ve reported extensively here at Mother Nature Network, with dramatic first-person stories of drivers carried away by their cars, Toyota has a sudden acceleration problem. It’s been trying to sweep the growing controversy under the rug, but that campaign is now over.

The company announced late Tuesday it would halt sales of some of its top-selling models to fix gas pedals that could stick and cause unintended acceleration. Last week, Toyota issued a recall for the same eight models affecting 2.3 million vehicles. After attributing the acceleration problem to ill-fitting floormats (and recalling 4.2 million cars), Toyota is now admitting it has a more serious problem. “There is a possibility that certain accelerator-pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position,” said Toyota spokesman Irv Miller. A lot of careful wording in there.

In an interview last week, Toyota spokesperson John Hanson made a distinction between the two recalls. The first, he said, is a "pedal entrapment" issue that is being addressed by modifying the pedal and the underlying pad to give more clearance. The second has to do with sticking pedals, all from one specific U.S.-based supplier (that he declined to name). In some cases, Hanson said, the pedals return slowly; in others, they don't return at all. An Automotive News report, however, identifies the supplier as CTS Corp. of Elkhart, Ind., with the actual part being made in Canada.

The automaker is investigating everything from better lubrication to new pedals as a fix for the ongoing problem. It could take some time to fix, because new parts will have to be engineered and manufactured for each model, the magazine said.

This is a serious blow to Toyota’s credibility. James Bell, an analyst at Kelley Blue Book, said, “The news that Toyota has expanded this recall, in conjunction with a statement that removes blame from the previously identified faulty floor mats, is proof that the situation is slowly spiraling out of control. As a company with a reputation for steadiness, these must be uncomfortable days for Toyota.”

Indeed, Toyota’s handling of this has been ham-handed, because it’s long been obvious that many of the reported cases have nothing to do with floor mats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a 2009 Texas case in which a Toyota Avalon spun off a Dallas road and into a pond, killing four. The floor mats? They were in the trunk.

The recall should have been comprehensive from the get-go. A Los Angeles Times report, hotly contested by Toyota, concluded, “A peerless reputation for quality and safety has helped Toyota become the world’s largest automaker. But even as its sales have soared, the company has delayed recalls, kept a tight lid on disclosure of potential problems and attempted to blame human error in cases where owners claimed vehicle defects.”

Two earlier reports on this are here and here.

I’ve continued to field reports through MNN of sudden acceleration in Toyotas (and other cars as well). According to ABC-News, which has been covering the issue extensively, more than 60 new cases have been reported since last year, when Toyota said that its earlier floor mat recall had fixed the problem.>

A possibility that sudden acceleration is related to electromagnetic interference in throttle-by-wire systems may merit further investigation, and could explain why many non-Toyota cases have also been reported. Ohio attorney Thomas Murray, who’s handling 20 such cases, points to interference as the cause. “This is a 30-year cover-up by the entire industry. We have hundreds of smoking guns, and they know exactly what the problem is,” he told me.

But Hanson says that Toyota thoroughly investigated electronic interference as a cause. "Tests by Toyota and NHTSA showed no isues," he said.

Here’s one of the first-hand reports e-mailed to me:

“I’m in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh City. I have Toyota Land Cruiser 2009 since Feb. 2009. Two days ago, I was driving on 30/40 Km/h speed before my car is suddenly accelerated to a very high speed I believe it was 90+ Km/h. Unfortunately I was very close to T-Shaped road, I turned right with this high speed and found another car in front of me we crashed with minor injuries. But until the moment I don't believe what happened.”

Here’s another one:

“I own a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. It is my daily driver and my husband drives it on occasion. We have both experienced the truck surge in RPMs while sitting at a stoplight. The truck feels like it wants to take off on its own. We both responded with pressing harder on the brakes. Although nothing like what you described has happened to us, I am wondering if they experienced the same thing prior to their sudden acceleration.”

Here's a CBS-TV report on the latest developments:

Toyota dealers have been replacing mats and shortening and/or replacing gas pedals, but if the problem is electronic that certainly won’t help. The latest recall affects Camrys (2007-2010), Corollas (2009-2010), RAV-4s (2009-2010), Avalons (2005-2010), Matrixes (2009-2010), 2010 Highlanders, Tundras (2007-2010) and Seqoias (2008-2010).

Toyota says if you experience the problem to brake with "firm and steady" pressure. But you should also switch the car into neutral as soon as possible.

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Cindy Blachowicz 07/12/2011 12:29 PM

On June 6 2011 I was driving my 2010 Camry I was approaching a car in front of me I had plenty of time to slow down but when I aplied my brakes nothing happened,I began to panick and looked down to be sure my foot was on the correct pedal.I was getting to close to the car ahead by then so I went off the road to avoid hitting the car.I struck a tree my car was totaled and i was taken by helicopter to a hospital.I know in my heart that this was not my error but the way it looks my story wont be.... More

mike gonzalez 04/02/2011 01:00 AM

i just bought a used 2006 toyota tacoma and i noticed that at least twice a day my truck accelerates at a red light and if im not pressing the gas peddel hard enough the truck will actuallly want to go as if i pumped the gas peddlel. but as soon as i feel it accelerate i have to push the peddel alittle harder and it will stop. i know for a fact that its not the floor mats becuse i removed them. i strongly belive that the problem is coming from the fan turning on and causing a stronger load on.... More

Joanne U. 01/25/2011 19:22 PM

I have a manual trans. was stopped at a light, and began to shift and accelerate when the light turned green. I was in about 2nd gear about 20mph when the gas pedal MOVED BY ITSELF rev ving the engine excruciatingly LOUD, scared the s*** out of me. I immediately shifted into neutral, then shut the engine as I coasted to the shoulder to a safe stop. The pedal did not return to the proper position on its own- my boyfriend had to meet me and free it under the hood. It not only dropped to the.... More

TedT-NJ 04/05/2010 16:31 PM

Folks,
The Toyota Avalon software, by design, already causes a car to accelerate. Virtually all have overlooked this "by design" implementation. Several points need to be made.
1. Software (microcode for automobile processers included) is never fail safe. Here is a URL to 10 historically famous software "bugs". There are a myriad number of lists. This is but one:
.... More

Guest 05/09/2011 10:32 AM

very owner of a Toyota with a push button ignition needs to install a coil kill switch commonly used on some alarm systems. This would kill power to the ignition while leaving power to the remainder of the car. Your Toyota dealer will most likely not proved this to you but most. Alarm installation shops should be able to do this fix quickly. Illinois Lemon Law

fyi 04/01/2010 21:54 PM

No easy answer for the Toyota problem
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/15/AR201003...
By Jeremy Anwyl Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The writer is chief executive of Edmunds.com, which recently announced a competition with a cash prize for anyone who can.... More

California Lemon Law 02/28/2011 11:43 AM

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a notice that Ford is recalling more than 1,600 of their newly designed Explorers equipped with manual recline second row seats. According to the recall, the seats supplied by Lear Corporation and did not meet federal safety standards. It is alleged that the seats may not provide the required strength in the event of an auto accident. .... More

karen 03/31/2010 22:23 PM

Today my mother got into her CTS, started it up and the engine began to roar, full open throttle. She tried to start it two more times, each time, same results. Called me in hysterics, then called the tow company. The tow truck driver came out and checked the accelerator. It was fine, not stuck. He turned on the engine, and again, full throttle. He hit it a few times hard, like someone had my mom do the other times, and the car finally calmed down. Really, really scary. We are waiting to.... More

JIM FULTON 07/05/2010 17:18 PM

We have a 2003 Cadillas CTS with about 77k miles. On 7-5-2010 as we were pulling into a parking spot in a shopping plaza at less than 5 mph, all of a sudden the car went to full throttle, jumped the curb, thru bushes, and onto the hood of the car facing us. What did Karen learn about her incident on 3-31-10. This is Jim Fulton email TENNNISJIM@AOL.COM

JIll 03/12/2010 22:47 PM

I just leased a new 2010 Camry SE in December. I would like to know if there are any options on getting out of the lease now.

Cadillac Bumper 03/12/2010 05:21 AM

Thanks
Toyota car situation is really bad and the toyato is loosing his position by this...

Cadillac Bumper

'very interesting post'
http://www.iautobodyparts.com/cadillac/

jaclyn 02/28/2010 18:07 PM

i have a 2009 camry that i leased last year. How can I get out of this? I don't think I should have to keep a car that is unsafe!!!!!

Randy Norris 02/25/2010 20:49 PM

I run an automotive repair shop and have fixed stuck throttles on almost every make car. Stuck throttles aren't something new.

Paul Hawkins 02/25/2010 20:44 PM

I think it is possible that people will tend to panic when something unexpected happens and as a result they feel very threatened. Common sense should prevail - but it doesn't always. One of the previous comments about pressing down on the brakes is right on. The car will stop as shown in a video on this site. I am not in any way connected with Toyota, but it "interesting" that if you look at highway safety recalls, Toyota is actually pretty good. Toyota is getting a lot of attention for.... More

Mario Seidita 02/25/2010 20:29 PM

Enter your comments here
One of the witnesses at Toyota's congressional hearing stated that while her car was accelerating, she could not turn off the ignition or take it out of neutral. Is this possible?

Jack 02/25/2010 20:21 PM

I am an automotive engineer with 25 years experience with electronic throttles and control systems. I am somewhat dismayed at Toyota's problems but even more dismayed with the hysteria surrounding the problem. I do not know of a make of vehicle that at some point has not had sticky throttles - some do to quality problems but also maintenance and poor service as well. In ever case, the vehicle can be stopped by the brakes. The brakes on a car will ALL absorb more energy than the engine will.... More

jerry 02/23/2010 21:15 PM

WE all need to go to cap hill too. like the dealers did

BARBARA SPARKMAN 02/23/2010 02:38 AM

I LEASE A 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY LE..PRETTY SCAREY WHEN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT, AND THE CAR SEEMS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO REVE UP AND GO FORWARD...I HAVE TO KEEP BRAKING...I AM WANTING TO GET OUT OF MY LEASE...NO OTHER DEALER WILL WANT TO TRADE?????VERY CONCERNED...LADY IN ALABAMA

FYI 02/20/2010 07:56 AM

'Toyota Sudden Acceleration Recall: Anonymous Whistle Blower IDs Cracked Throttle Bodies'
http://kansascity.injuryboard.com/automobile-accidents/toyota-sudden-acc...

‘Government was told of Toyota claims in 2004: insurer’
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61D2TS20100220

‘Suspicions linger over acceleration in Toyota Camrys’
(Reports suface of deadly runaway crashes in Toyota models that were not recalled)
.... More

mike 02/17/2010 21:54 PM

i got a 2009 corolla s have no problems yet and i really would like to keep the car , but the issue is true i have noticed that lately when i start the car it revs all the way to 3k rpm and stays there u have to step on it and let go fast for it to come down , and thats not a floor mat problem , and its too new fo it to have a stiky throthle body problem that is electronic , so there got to be away to change this piece of sh***t , other than wraping it around a tree..

ANTHONY 02/10/2010 14:29 PM

I HAVE A 2010 TACOMA AUTOMATIC AND HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO GO OVER A SPEED BUMP (AS AN EXAMPLE) AND START TO ACCELERATE I NOTICE A HIGH REV IN ENGINE SPEED (AT LEAST TO 2500 RPMS) BEFOR THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES INTO GEAR AND WHEN IT DOES ENGAGE ITS LIKE SITTING IN A RACE CAR THAT IS TAKING OFF.

bill 02/03/2010 06:25 AM

You know, I am in the show room at a Tyta dlr on Nov 24th, 2009 leasing a Tyta Rav4. At that very moment, Tyta was finishing production on a replacement part for sudden excelleration safety issue and planning a massive recall. Does this beg the question that sales were more important than disclosing this safety issue with customers when buying/leasing a vehicle from Tyta? In addition, Tyta says the faulty pedal was manufactured by a US parts Co. But they are not saying that THEY/ Tyta gave the.... More

McIntyre, William 01/30/2010 14:31 PM

Looks like we need to include "COVER UP" as the 15th principle?

MTaylor 01/30/2010 03:22 AM

Sorry but you are wrong. The surging/lurching without warning is well documented, just check all of the complaints on the NHTSA website. They are not driver caused! Like Gwen, I am one of the victims of the “sudden acceleration” problem. My ‘06 Corolla (ironically, not on the recall list) experienced this problem recently. While stopped at at red light, with full pressure applied to the brakes with my right foot only (my left foot off to the side doing nothing) without warning the.... More

jacqueline hayward 01/27/2010 15:03 PM

Enter your comments here I WOULD LIKE TO REPLACE THIS CAR BECAUSE I"M AFRAID OF GETTING HURT OR HURTING SOMEONE

BL 01/28/2010 15:14 PM

I am leasing a 2008 camary i asked if i can break my lease they are doing nothing the manager said no i am still responsible for the leftover amount. what is toyota going to do for customers??? Looks like nothing

Michelle 01/25/2010 20:15 PM

I am currently leasing a 2008 Camry. Can I get out of my lease because of the recalls? If so, how?

Sherree 01/27/2010 05:19 AM

I am currently leasing a 2009 Camry, I will be calling today to see if I can. I am literally terrified to even drive the car.

Steve 01/27/2010 15:54 PM

Has anyone found out any information on getting out of your lease early due to this recall?

Krista 03/04/2010 23:36 PM

My RAV is two months old. My husband asked if we could break the lease two weeks after signing on the dotted line. They said no. It was only after we did our research that we found out you can break the lease as long as it is before your car is registered.

Krista 03/04/2010 23:36 PM

Ragdoll Kitty 01/28/2010 21:02 PM

Dealers apparently cannot let customers out of their leases with Toyota Financial. It would probably take a class action. The GM and Ford deals don't help unless you are close to the end of your lease. On the bright side, at least we can turn them in at lease end and walk away and let Toyota have their devalued vehicles back!

Sherree 02/01/2010 14:40 PM

I just spoke with representative at corp. office. Someone will be calling me back about getting out of my lease. I have 12 months remaining on mine. I just want to walk away from it.

Gina 04/12/2010 14:06 PM

Did you get a call back? What did they say? I am in the same situation. I appreciate any help you can provide.

Bob 02/23/2010 15:13 PM

We have 21/2 years left on a 2009 Corolla lease and have had so many issues with it and several repeat visits to the dealer for resolution (brakes, gas pedal, air bag, steering). We also opened a case # w/Toyota and should hear back soon. Maybe they will wortk with consumers on a case-by-case basis.

Texas 02/03/2010 16:19 PM

What did you find out about getting out of the lease early?

Ragdoll Kitty 01/28/2010 20:57 PM

Dealers apparently cannot let customers out of their leases with Toyota Financial. It would probably take a class action. The GM and Ford deals don't help unless you are close to the end of your lease. On the bright side, at least we can turn them in and walk away and let Toyota have their devalued vehicles back!

Paul Corsa 01/24/2010 13:01 PM

Has anyone checked to see if a sticking throttle body could be contributting to this? I had it happen on my 1998 Ford Ranger and it is a frightening experience with basically the same symptom.

Paul 01/25/2010 12:25 PM

The same Company that makes the pedal assembly for Toyota makes parts for Ford (5% of their sales are to Detroit 3). I'm just sayin...

Paul 01/23/2010 10:38 AM

How many other auto manufacturer's does CTS Corp. make the same pedal for? If they do supply to almost every manufacturer, that means that Toyota is the only one that is being proactive in bringing vehicles in for a fix? All others are just waiting for the government to mandate it?

Does Toyota use any other supplier for this part or does every single part come from CTS Corp? If they do use more than one supplier, that means I can still buy a top-notch Toyota product with an.... More

bill 02/06/2010 07:23 AM

Toyota gave the specifications to the parts manufacturer. The manufacturer builds the parts to their specifications and you can be sure, with all of Toyotas stated "quality assurances" they checked and doubled checked to ensure prior to buying millions of these parts they met "their" specifications... Or did they?

Timothy D. Naegele 01/23/2010 10:35 AM

What Toyota has been doing in covering up its runaway car problems is criminal!

See, e.g., http://naegeleblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/04/toyota-and-lexus-vehicles-
are-unsafe/

Gwen 01/22/2010 20:15 PM

I have a 2007 Camry and the surges have been happening since I bought the car and always occur when the car is in a braked position. In rereading my last bill from Toyota just this morning, it stated that I ASKED FOR THE FLOOR MATS TO BE REMOVED AND PUT IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. I didn't ask ANYTHING. They ADVISED me to do this. Yet that is NOT what the bill states and of course, they can recall that record and say that I asked, which I did not. The surging has NEVER BEEN caused by the floor.... More

Paul 01/25/2010 12:41 PM

This is not a documented issue with Toyota. The issue is that, OVER TIME, after the gas pedal is pressed down, it is slow to come back up to the natural, off position, or that it may not come back at all (both rare to happen). Or, that it may be slow going down when you press it down. The issue is not that when you are in the stopped position, the vehicle takes off by itself. Do you drive with two feet (one on each pedal)? There absolutely has to be driver input to make the vehicle move.... More