NHTSA slams Toyota for 'inaccurate, misleading' recall statements

[Burnout Czar]

Originally Posted by PistonsFan

It is a combination of problems, that creates an unacceptable problem.

The accelerator pedal has a downward-facing angle that can grab on to a floormat if it slides under the pedal. So if you have loose floormats or aftermarket floormats, this is a problem.

There are also some "second-order" effects that are problematic. In one of the fatal crashes, the brakes got extremely hot as the driver tried to stop the car while the throttle was stuck at WOT. The brakes were not capable of overcoming the engine torque and the brakes may have thermally failed.

That is an unacceptable design flaw. They could implement a brake sensor that recognizes when braking is being applied during high-load operations.

There was also a complaint that the vehicles with push-start functionality did not have an intuitive way to shut off the car in such an emergency. If I remember correctly, you must hold the button down for a certain duration before the car shuts off.

Correct you hold the start/stop button down for 3 seconds, however I would not do this as you will loose power brakes/steering and I believe lock the steering wheel. I would rather shift into neutral and apply the brake.

[RamJet502]

I think everybody knew there was something "phishy" about Toyota's explanation.

[1G6]

Originally Posted by RamJet502

I think everybody knew there was something "phishy" about Toyota's explanation.

Ooh, I like yours better!

[V8GMT360 Guy]

Originally Posted by Burnout Czar

Correct you hold the start/stop button down for 3 seconds, however I would not do this as you will loose power brakes/steering and I believe lock the steering wheel. I would rather shift into neutral and apply the brake.

I recently saw a video suggesting exactly this... shift into neutral, both feet firmly on the brake (do NOT pulse the brakes, just hold the pedal to the floor) and once the vehicle is safely stopped THEN kill the engine.

For the record, I am a detailer and I routinely do pick-up and drop-off service for customers from their offices to my shop, and I'm very leery of offering the service anymore for Toyota and Lexus owners. Good thing I live in a GM town!

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by RamJet502

I think everybody knew there was something "phishy" about Toyota's explanation.

[chevyman1973]

The fall of the empire is in motion, and I like it!

[1G6]

Nihon no higeki is in full swing, and the apologists can't do a damn thing about it.

[American_Muscle]

ive never had a problem with floormats in my chevy. nor have any family members

[vanshmack]

Originally Posted by Burnout Czar

Correct you hold the start/stop button down for 3 seconds, however I would not do this as you will loose power brakes/steering and I believe lock the steering wheel. I would rather shift into neutral and apply the brake.

The steering wheel won't lock because the car is not in park. It will be tough to steer and brake, though.

I agree...the best solution would be to shift to neutral.

As for root cause, this is an aspect of electronic throttles that has always scared me. Could some intermittent EM issue induce current on a drive-by-wire setup that causes an unintended wide-open-throttle situation?

Thankfully, we don't own a Toyota so I don't need to worry, but we do own two cars with drive-by-wire throttles. It does make one think twice.

[Canuck]

Originally Posted by RamJet502

I think everybody knew there was something "phishy" about Toyota's explanation.

Post of the Quarter Nominee!!!

[Hitman1970]

All we need is Dateline strapping some napalm to the gas pedal and videotaping it for the circle to be complete.

[Wheels66]

A little insight to this situation. This is not good.

http://politicolnews.com/toyota-runaway-vehicles/

[plane]

Originally Posted by 1G6

Time to quit phooling around.

+1

37% chance of beverage through the nose.
97% chance of "Hell yeah you're right on the money 1G6"

"It's not a recall damnit. It's a customer appreciation notice".

[ejfx]

Many people are claiming its the design off the shift panel on the console...its said to be too complicated and may have confused the guy that crashed doing 100mph...He couldnt shift out of neutral.
When the minds in a panic like that guys was when he was out of control...it can be nearly impossible to focus on the smallest detail because the larger detail controls your thoughts

[PhishPhood]

Originally Posted by PistonsFan

I think I recall a certain GMI member trying to downplay this issue.

...so, yes this is most definitely a recall.

Now it is.. At that time it was not. At the moment the 'recall' appears to consist of two parts: "...throw away the driver's side floor mat, if you wish" on existing vehicles. The second stage of the recall is likely be the implementation of 'smart pedals' of some kind or another. I'll venture to say that the second stage will be on vehicles made in the future as an added safety precaution.