toyota sales halted (of 8 models)

[luvit]

Toyota dealers across the country have been instructed not to sell the 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia, and certain 2007-2010 Camry models.

source

so i wonder how this will affect msrp on other selling models.

today's msrp
2010 prius $22,800
2010 yaris $12,605

[RobertSmalls]

Ah, yes. The fiery floormats of death debacle. You know, my driver ed teacher taught us what to do in the event on unintended acceleration. Tap the gas pedal to try to free it. Failing that, shift to N, key off, coast to a safe stop. For an educated driver, unintended acceleration isn't that big of a problem.

I blame the victims.

[luvit]

i think toyota suspects it was some fault beyond the floormat

[RobertSmalls]

True. As mentioned in your source, there's the case of someone who stored his floormats in the trunk, then proceeded to kill himself and his three passengers in a 2008 Toyota. Apply brakes, shift to N. Works every time.

[wdb]

Easy to say when you're sitting safely in your armchair. However the conditions surrounding that horrible accident are more complicated. It was discussed here at some length:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...all-11083.html

The cars Toyota has decided to stop selling accounted for 79% of their sales in 2009. That is an enormous decision, and errant floormats don't begin to justify it.

[bgd73]

Originally Posted by luvit

i think toyota suspects it was some fault beyond the floormat

definately.
Pondering 4 million vehicles is a huge freakin number.

if they made 1 million of popular car 22 years ago ...you can still see them on the road today, even in my car killing state......4million is altering the history of toyota.

[NeilBlanchard]

Yes, the second cause (that is not really connected) has something to do with the pivot/linkage wearing out, and sticking because of this.

The title of this thread needs to be edited to say they are halting sales on EIGHT models -- not all models, as it now implies.

[user removed]

I think it has something to do with the drive by wire throttle control. One owner had it happen and got to the dealer with the engine racing and they had a chance to look at the car while it was malfunctioning.

Apparently they found something that caused them to take this action.

We can only speculate on the actual problem, but their response would indicate that there is something going on that scared them enough to make sure it doesn't happen any more than it already has happened.

A huge corporation like Toyota could really suffer in a large class action suit, way beyond their reputation. Huge target for the hungry civil liability attorneys in the US.

The "blame it on the owners" response only builds the case for the mass of attorneys who are hungry for a huge settlement.

I heard about the mats in the trunk instance, but the last one I heard about was the guy who actually made it to the dealer with the engine racing like mad, and he had no mats in the car as well.

regards
Mech

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

I think it has something to do with the drive by wire throttle control.

+1,000 on that! Unintended (and untested) software results.

[user removed]

I remember them testing the turbo Audi when they had the unintentional acceleration problem.

With the throttle floored the stopping distance was 16 feet longer than without the pedal floored.

Apparently (just my speculation) the drivers are trying the brakes then releasing or pumping the pedal, which depletes the vacuum reserve in the booster. If they are doing this then the pedal effort increases dramatically. Some drivers may have the strength to still stop the car, as long as they do not panic.

Many faced with this situation could allow panic and weakness to combine into a lethal combination, especially depending on their situation and the circumstances of road conditions and off road obstacles.

The guy who drove into the dealer, if I remember correctly, his brakes were smoking, and the engine was racing, in neutral. I believe he was very close to the dealer when this happened. If not the brake fluid could have boiled and he would have crashed.

One brave citizen, who had the ability to maintain his self control and get to the dealer, without melting his brakes. Maybe foolish, he could have shut off the ignition, but that would potentially have eliminated the symptoms and prevented any diagnosis.

regards
Mech