I have avoided posting too many blogs about the Toyota recalls on this site; however, the problem just keeps growing. Although I haven’t been ignoring it as I have posted one blog entry on the issue, there are so many stories out there that it is difficult to keep up with and seems as if it is constantly changing. However, after yesterday’s hearing before Congress, I felt it was important to address the news story below.

As I stated in my previous blog post, I am a recent purchaser of a 2010 Toyota Camry. To date, I still have not been notified in writing or otherwise about bringing my car in to be fixed even though when I called my dealer I was informed I would be contacted in writing once parts are in. I don’t know if that means that parts are not in yet at my particular dealer, or if they are fixing older ones first, or if something else is going on. Either way, after reading the news story regarding yesterday’s hearing, I now know it is unclear whether the fixed gas pedal would resolve the problem. Having been advised to continue driving my car while I wait to be contacted, my concern grows even more. Even though I have not experienced an accelerator issue yet, I don’t want to be riding around in my car with my children if  it does happen, but I guess I just cross my fingers and continue to drive while Toyota attempts to figure out where the problem really lies – electrical or not?

Today, Toyota president, Akio Toyoda is scheduled to speak before Congress about safety issues in Toyota vehicles following a hearing yesterday that was held between Congress and Toyota sales Chief, James Lentz. He advised Congress that he was unsure whether the recalls would solve the safety issues plaguing the recalled Toyota vehicles.

Toyoda has a prepared speech ready that will include a public apology, address quality control, the reason for the recalls, and plans for future quality control.

Currently, there are 34 reported deaths linked to Toyota and Lexus vehicles with acceleration problems. Following complaints and reported deaths, Toyota finally recalled 8 million for problems with accelerators, brakes, and steering.

However, Congress members feel Toyota should consider and investigate whether electronic glitches could be contributing to or causing the acceleration problems after hearing from two witnesses, Sean Kane, Safety Research & Strategies president, and David Gilbert, an automotive technology associate professor.

Gilbert testified that he conducted experimental testing in which he was able to overcome the fail-safe system Toyota implemented to prevent unintended acceleration caused by electrical problems. He tested 4 Toyota vehicles with the same result, bypassing the fail-safe system. Toyota insists that the system would have to be “sabotage[d],” which would not occur in normal situations.

USA TODAY reports that some of the major issues raised were:

• Whether unintended acceleration problems in Toyota vehicles has been solved, which Lentz admitted that it is “probably fair to say” that about 70% of the complaints are not resolved by current recalls to fix floor mats and gas pedals. He further admitted that he does not know whether they have solved the problems, only that Toyota has “solved the issues [they] know of.”
• Brake-override systems will be installed allowing the brakes to take precedence over the gas pedal if pushed at the same time as another defense mechanism.
• Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood testified that NHTSA will “do a complete review of the electronics” and will not rest until it discovers whether electronic issues are contributing to the problem.

Toyota is also being scrutinized for not addressing the accelerator concerns sooner. Cars were recalled overseas in the early 2000s for the same issue but no recalls were issued in the U.S. until 2007 and then only a limited recall for floor mats. NHTSA reported it knew of problems as far back as 2003.

For more information on the numerous Toyota stories over the past couple of months, click any of the links below:

TOYOTA COROLLA POWER STEERING

Toyota Prius Brake Recall Announced

Toyota recalls Camry: what does this mean for Kansas City Drivers?

When It Rains, It Pours! More Shocking News From Toyota Involving Prius and Lexus Brakes

Toyota Problems are a Big Deal, But…

Toyota Fix for Accelerator Pedal Sticking May Not Remedy Sudden Unintended Acceleration Problem

Prius brakes: more Toyota danger to Kansas City motorists

Roswold Law Group wants to remind everyone driving a Lexus or Toyota to take extra precautions when driving. Hopefully putting the car in neutral will work if your accelerator does start to stick and hopefully the problem(s) will be resolved quickly.