Toyota in huge US safety recall

[mawilson 2,133]

Toyota Motor has announced the recall of 2.3m vehicles in North America after it

acknowledged for the first time that a mechanical flaw might have caused potentially

dangerous acceleration problems.

The recall of cars, trucks and 4x4s prolongs an issue that has dogged the Japanese

carmaker since last year when a spate of accidents, some fatal, was blamed on

“sudden acceleration” of Toyota vehicles.

The problem has threatened Toyota’s reputation for reliability, particularly in the

crucial US market, where the carmaker made a quarter of its sales in the first half.

It has also drawn comparisons with Audi, the German carmaker, whose US business

all but collapsed in the 1980s over similar safety concerns.

“Toyota’s success in the US is based on quality and if there’s a question mark about

its quality it’s a huge problem,” said Koji Endo, motor industry analyst at Advanced

Research Japan.

In a letter to US authorities, Toyota said the latest problem appeared to be the result

of condensation build-up in some accelerator mechanisms, which could cause sliding

parts to expand and jam.

The recall is Toyota’s second attempt to address reported acceleration problems

in three months. In November, it said it would replace accelerator pedals on 4.2m

vehicles to eliminate the risk of their becoming jammed by out-of-position floor mats.

The latest recall affects some but not all vehicles involved in the November fix, and

covers models including Corolla, Avalon and Camry cars, Matrix and RAV4 crossovers,

Highlander and Sequoia 4x4s and Tundra pick-ups.

Irv Miller, a vice-president of Toyota Motors Sales USA, said: “Our investigation

indicates that 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.”

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the problem was a “serious

safety issue”. It first drew wide notice in September after “sudden acceleration” was

linked to the death of a California highway patrol officer and three family members

in a high-speed crash.

In addition to redesigning accelerator pedals, Toyota is speeding up adoption of “smart

brake” software that cuts off electronic signals from the throttle when drivers touch

the brakes.

However, Toyota remains one of the motor industry’s top brands. Consumer Reports,

the influential US product-rating magazine, ranked it first in an annual survey of “overall

brand perception”. The group’s Lexus luxury marque lost ground from last year, however,

while Ford, which ranked second overall, cut Toyota’s lead in the points-based survey

by a third.

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[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

First Tylenol and Motrin and now this

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Live in America, buy American.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Don't forget about the major Ford Recall a long time ago.

[mawilson 2,133]

Don't forget about the major Ford Recall a long time ago.

If it was a long time ago, why can't we forget about it?

The Toyota recall happened last week.

Live in America, buy American.

Damn right.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Live in America, buy American.

What about Ford and GM cars made in Mexico?

[spookyturtle 9,466]

What about Ford and GM cars made in Mexico?

Why do you hate America?

[mawilson 2,133]

What about Ford and GM cars made in Mexico?

They suck.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Mexico has the most elite colleges and university in the world!

Edited January 25, 2010 by Niels Bohr

[mawilson 2,133]

Mexico has the most elite colleges and university in the world!

Too bad they are not using them.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Rice burners....Sheesh!

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Rice burners....Sheesh!

Bunch of jap loving anti-American bastards.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Bunch of jap loving anti-American bastards.

What brand of computer are you using?

[spookyturtle 9,466]

What brand of computer are you using?

Mine.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Mine.

LOL...all parts made in USA, I'm sure.