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Toyota sudden acceleration: floor mats or electronic issues?
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No one knows for sure concerning developments this week about the safety of Toyota vehicles. The initial thinking that incorrect floor mats were causing incidents of sudden acceleration in some models may be much more complex than initially thought.
Nearly 2000 owners tell very similar stories, the car(s) speeds up to near 100 miles per hour and brakes are ineffective. Some owners speculate that engine electronics are the culprit. That has not be proven. The U.S. Department of transportation thinks: "The focus of the federal investigation relates to Toyota floor and gas pedal design." NHTSA also issued a statement saying removal of the mat is necessary but not a cure all, and a possible design issue: "Entrapment of the accelerator by floor mats, which is related to the accelerator and floor pan design."
Owners are not that easily convinced though, and the Feds are not ruling out any possibilities.
Toyota denies any cover up, Yukitoshi Funo, a Toyota executive says "'it is not part of Toyota culture and Toyota way to cover up anything.'" (ABC News).
Stories of runaway cars are pervasive lately, A Lexus went out of control in San Diego over the summer killing the passengers another car, a Camry, went flying off a CA cliff into the ocean.
Earlier this week, Toyota U.S.A. said no defect has been found by governmental agencies beyond incorrect floor mats. In the interim a letter is being sent out recommending that the floor mats be removed, if not make sure they are correct, in the retaining clips and right side-up. A common sense measure as they point out: Never double stack floor mats they can interfere with accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals. Most owners manuals regardless of manufacturer states this precaution. If something is found, beyond floor mats, notification will be sent to owners to take the vehicles to the dealer for fixing.
Affected cars are: Toyota Camry, Avalon, Prius, Tacoma, and Tundra trucks. Plus: Lexus ES350, IS250 & IS350.
An interesting question to be asked is, don't some these vehicles share platforms and other components beyond floor mats?
Follow the advice given by Toyota and Lexus. In addition, be mindful driving and practice safe driving.
Sources: ABC News, NHTSA and Toyota
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