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.

link:

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Comments(36)

Posted By JIll - Fri, Mar 12 2010 at 10:47 PM EST

Toyota

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.

Posted By Cadillac Bumper - Fri, Mar 12 2010 at 5:22 AM EST

Cadillac Bumper

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/

Posted By Cadillac Bumper - Fri, Mar 12 2010 at 5:21 AM EST

Cadillac Bumper

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/

Posted By ruzzel01 - Mon, Mar 01 2010 at 9:34 AM EST

Toyota

I don't understand why Toyota is getting all this stick for this recent throttle and windshields problem. We had this in a Rover 214 years ago, where the throttle would suddenly go to fully open without warning. I had to get it into neutral, brake and switch off the ignition. When restarted, it was then OK. It was an ECU fault, and was quite common.

Posted By jaclyn - Sun, Feb 28 2010 at 6:07 PM EST

want to turn in toyota

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!!!!!

Posted By Randy Norris - Thu, Feb 25 2010 at 8:49 PM EST

I fix them all

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

Posted By Paul Hawkins - Thu, Feb 25 2010 at 8:44 PM EST

If you panic, almost anything can happen!

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

Posted By Mario Seidita - Thu, Feb 25 2010 at 8:29 PM EST

Accelerating while in Neutra

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?

Posted By Jack - Thu, Feb 25 2010 at 8:21 PM EST

If you are going to fast apply the brakes!

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

Posted By jerry - Tue, Feb 23 2010 at 9:15 PM EST

go to the hill.

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

Posted By BARBARA SPARKMAN - Tue, Feb 23 2010 at 2:38 AM EST

TRYING TO ACCELERATE WHEN IN BRAKED POSITION AT STOP LIGHTS

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

Posted By FYI - Sat, Feb 20 2010 at 7:56 AM EST

Sudden acceleration: Toyota admits its runaway-car situation is

'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

Posted By mike - Wed, Feb 17 2010 at 9:54 PM EST

its true the pedal thing

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..

Posted By ANTHONY - Wed, Feb 10 2010 at 2:29 PM EST

ACCELERATOR DELAY

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.

Posted By bill - Wed, Feb 03 2010 at 6:25 AM EST

Toyota did know!

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

Posted By McIntyre, William - Sat, Jan 30 2010 at 2:31 PM EST

TPS Way...

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

Posted By MTaylor - Sat, Jan 30 2010 at 3:22 AM EST

Yes the problems are related

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

Posted By jacqueline hayward - Wed, Jan 27 2010 at 3:03 PM EST

trade car in

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

Posted By BL - Thu, Jan 28 2010 at 3:14 PM EST

Toyota recall

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

Posted By Michelle - Mon, Jan 25 2010 at 8:15 PM EST

toyota recall affecting a lease vehicle

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

Posted By Sherree - Wed, Jan 27 2010 at 5:19 AM EST

I'm with you

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.

Posted By Steve - Wed, Jan 27 2010 at 3:54 PM EST

Get out of your lease

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

Posted By Krista - Thu, Mar 04 2010 at 11:36 PM EST

They lie about breaking the lease. If you have a new lease read

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.

Posted By Krista - Thu, Mar 04 2010 at 11:36 PM EST

They lie about breaking the lease. If you have a new lease read

Posted By Ragdoll Kitty - Thu, Jan 28 2010 at 9:02 PM EST

Can we break our Toyota leases?

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!

Posted By Sherree - Mon, Feb 01 2010 at 2:40 PM EST

turning in lease

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.

Posted By Bob - Tue, Feb 23 2010 at 3:13 PM EST

Heard back from Toyota Yet?

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.

Posted By Texas - Wed, Feb 03 2010 at 4:19 PM EST

Lease

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

Posted By Ragdoll Kitty - Thu, Jan 28 2010 at 8:57 PM EST

Can we break our Toyota leases?

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!

Posted By Paul Corsa - Sun, Jan 24 2010 at 1:01 PM EST

Toyota Acceleration Problem

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.

Posted By Paul - Mon, Jan 25 2010 at 12:25 PM EST

CTS Corp.

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...

Posted By Paul - Sat, Jan 23 2010 at 10:38 AM EST

Do you know?

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

Posted By bill - Sat, Feb 06 2010 at 7:23 AM EST

understand manufacturing

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?

Posted By Timothy D. Naegele - Sat, Jan 23 2010 at 10:35 AM EST

What Toyota has been doing is criminal!

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/

Posted By Gwen - Fri, Jan 22 2010 at 8:15 PM EST

Sudden Acceleration

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

Posted By Paul - Mon, Jan 25 2010 at 12:41 PM EST

Not the same issue...

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

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

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