Autoweek: Scion blames tC problem on driver, not car

[Buick61]

How odd for Toyota to blame the driver. Here's an excerpt from Autoweek's long term test of a Scion tC:

"We also resolved one issue that arose late last quarter. A few of us (as well as tC owners) found that when driving at low speeds in first gear, the tC has a tendency to buck, violently at times. We consulted with Scion engineers, who brought their computing magic to bear on our car—only to discover there is, apparently, no problem. Scion says this condition is caused by running the throttle at a 16-degree to 17-degree angle, at roughly 1400 rpm. That’s when the car’s computer believes it should be in idle mode and switches to a lean fuel mixture. The programming is an effort to reduce emissions at idle, but can cause an “idle map on and off” situation. That is the bucking.

The official line, from Scion: The tC is “reacting to driver input… it’s not a problem with the vehicle.”"

Full Text: http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=103151

[T-Type]

BWWWAAA HAAA HAAA - I can't wait to hear the Toyota lovers spin on this.

On a more serious note, I am truly baffeled that Toyota would tell a magazine, that is doing a long term review of their product, that their car does not have a design flaw when quite obviously it does. So, if you buy a Scion tC, you just have to remember to not have the throttle at 16 -17 degrees at 1400 rpm????

Did Autoweek rip them for this?

[FStephenMasek]

The tC also has been widely reported as having a real handling flaw - a shift from understeer to oversteer at the handling limits. Such a handling flaw could upset experienced drivers, but since the tC is aimed at younger, less experienced drivers, the handling flaw is more likely to cause wrecks.

[gmfan3]

LOL...does the tC come with a protractor?

[TorchRedCorvette]

Originally Posted by T-Type

BWWWAAA HAAA HAAA - I can't wait to here the Toyota lovers spin on this.

On a more serious note, I am truly baffeled that Toyota would tell a magazine, that is doing a long term review of their product, that their car does not have a design flaw when quite obviously it does. So, if you buy a Scion, you just have to remember to not have the throttle at 16 -17 degrees at 1400 rpm????

Did Autoweek rip them for this?

"It must be due to the oversized cowboy boot of the American driver."

Pass the buck... (or is it the Yen)

[gmfan3]

Originally Posted by TorchRedCorvette

"It must be due to the oversized cowboy boot of the American driver."

Pass the buck... (or is it the Yen)

good 1.

[DuSpinnst]

Way to take responsability Scion....

[member12]

Remember the engine sludge problems? That was the driver's fault, too. If GM makes a piece of crap, they will recall it, and redesign it (thanks to Ralph Nader) because they can't get away with it.

[gmfan3]

I can now see the countless tC lemmings flogging themselves for their improper driving techniques....LOL

[gmfan3]

Man! all of these problems are always the driver's fault.....they must have a ton of really bad drivers.

[rickhunter1max]

WHAT ABOUT THIS
Feds investigate possible wind deflector glass defect on Scion tC
HARRY STOFFER | Automotive News
Posted Date: 9/14/05
WASHINGTON -- Toyota has launched and sold 200,000 units of three Scion vehicles in just over two years without a safety recall. But that achievement may be in jeopardy.

Federal safety officials said last week that they are stepping up an investigation of wind deflectors on the sunroofs of 2005 Scion tC coupes. Some deflectors have shattered, showering glass on vehicle occupants.

"These occurrences may pose a risk of driver distraction and personal injury," says a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report.

The agency and the automaker have received eight complaints of broken deflectors. Toyota Motor North America Inc. told NHTSA of 37 warranty claims that may be related to the problem.

Toyota says its research found no flaw in design, manufacturing or assembly. The automaker suspects the deflectors are being broken by airborne debris. Toyota spokeswoman Ming-Jou Chen declined further comment.

NHTSA's upgrading of a defect investigation in this way, from a preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis, often is a prelude to a recall.

More than 60,000 tC coupes are on the road.

In another newly upgraded investigation, NHTSA is trying to determine whether there is a safety defect in the release lever for the second-row seat in 2004 Nissan Quest minivans. More than 65,000 of the vehicles are in service.

NHTSA says it and Nissan have reports of 11 injuries to people's hands after using the lever. The agency says Nissan has changed the handle's design twice during production.

The current handle is larger than previous ones. It has a cup-shaped design, into which fingers fit. Nissan North America Inc. says no injuries have been reported from the latest version of the handle.

[Buick61]

My 300C had a vibration problem. It only occurred at 55-58mph, and only in top gear, only at a certain throttle position, and only at a certain rpm. It was annoying since it all happened to be a frequently used speed/throttle position/rpm/gear.

Chrysler didn't tell me to simply not drive at that RPM. Rather, they replaced much of my exhaust system with newly re-engineered components to correct this rather minor annoyance.

Props to Chrysler for that. Not so much for Toyota/Scion.

[TorchRedCorvette]

Originally Posted by gmfan3

I can now see the countless tC lemmings flogging themselves for their improper driving techniques....LOL

Searching the net for Toyo approved driving schools...

Skip Barber,are you listening?

A new UNTAPPED group of misfits,loners,and shut-ins!

[gmfan3]

Originally Posted by TorchRedCorvette

Searching the net for Toyo approved driving schools...

Skip Barber,are you listening?

A new UNTAPPED group of misfits,loners,and shut-ins!

LOL.

after reading the deflector problem, may need to add "Aerial Debris Avoidance" to the cirriculum.

[GMCSonoma]

Originally Posted by Buick61

My 300C had a vibration problem. It only occurred at 55-58mph, and only in top gear, only at a certain throttle position, and only at a certain rpm. It was annoying since it all happened to be a frequently used speed/throttle position/rpm/gear.

Chrysler didn't tell me to simply not drive at that RPM. Rather, they replaced much of my exhaust system with newly re-engineered components to correct this rather minor annoyance.

Props to Chrysler for that. Not so much for Toyota/Scion.

That is because DCX doesn't have the arrogance TMC has.