NHTSA Study Shows Toyota Throttles Are Just Fine
Jason Lancaster | Jul 15, 2010 | Comments 42
As we have been saying for the better part of a year, so-called “runaway Toyotas” with electronic throttles are actually driver error. From the Wall Street Journal:
The U.S. Department of Transportation has analyzed dozens of data recorders from Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles involved in accidents blamed on sudden acceleration and found that the throttles were wide open and the brakes weren’t engaged at the time of the crash, people familiar with the findings said.
The early results suggest that some drivers who said their Toyotas and Lexuses surged out of control were mistakenly flooring the accelerator when they intended to jam on the brakes.
Wow! No kidding?! If only we had all listened to noted safety expert Richard Schmidt back in November 2009, who said that
…the problem almost always lies with drivers who step on the wrong pedal. “When the driver says they have their foot on the brake, they are just plain wrong,” Schmidt said. “The human motor system is not perfect, and it doesn’t always do what it is told.”
It turns out that Toyota’s electronic throttles are just &$%^&# fine, thank you. Here’s a list of organizations that have tested Toyota’s electronic throttles and found exactly ZERO problems:
- Toyota and Toyota suppliers
- NHTSA (three different investigations, all with the same result)
- M.I.T.
- NASA
- Exponent, an international product safety engineering firm (hired by Toyota)
Here’s a list of people who have alleged throttle problems:
- Sean Kane, the “safety expert” currently employed by product liability attorneys who have locked Toyota in a civil lawsuit
- Professor of “Workforce Education and Development” David Gilbert, who concocted an impossible scenario to “prove” that Toyota throttles have problems and was later discredited by Toyota
- Two reporters from the L.A. Times who owe the world an apology. Talk about “making news.” If they have any integrity at all, they’ll resign their positions and go find a job where they don’t have any sort of access to the public.
- A dozen poor schlubs who claim they had their foot on the brakes (even though they probably didn’t)
- A handful of idiot politicians who tried to score some points at Toyota’s expense
While I’m obviously a little biased here, it’s hard to imagine how anyone would side with Sean Kane, “professor” Gilbert, or the L.A. Slimes. It’s almost as if the world had a temporary suspension or rational thought…
Unfortunately, this incredible piece of news will never make it to the front page of your local newspaper – it’s just not “newsworthy” enough. If only members of the media could be held accountable for their ridiculous assertions.
Special thanks to Danny and Chris for shooting me an email about this. If you have a news tip or a link you think might be good for the site, feel free to drop me a note.
Filed Under: Auto News
As most of us knew all along, it was nothing but a witch hunt to prop up sales of “Government Motors” products.
Sounds about right. These people are too stupid to think to put their car in neutral if the engine is racing. Doesn’t surprise me at all that they are too stupid to press the brake instead of the gas.
Lol Mike, perfect.
Like we said all along…duplicate the problem and then we’ll believe. Jason..you might want to include those idiots that posted on this site how they were afraid of a Toyota driving next to them. This is good news for our resale value!!!!
Greg here’s your sign…….
As I stated to you before Greg Now what’s your answer.
Funny how no trolls are around now….
Personally I think Mr. Lahood should apologize to Mr. Toyoda and all who own Toyota’s. The govt should give half the fine back. Also David Gilbert should only play with lego’s and not the real thing. All law suits against Toyota should be dissolved. LA Times I would say not allowed to do investigative reporting but they don’t do it anyway as a proven fact. For Mr. Gilbert he should get his own sign for keeps “ID10T”.
[…] here's what you're talking about. NHTSA Study Shows Toyota Throttles Are Just Fine | Tundra Headquarters __________________ MIDNIGHT RIDER THE NEW HEARTBEAT OF AMERICA AFTER GAS PEDAL […]
This is why I am not wasting any gas money to have my 09′ corolla and 2010 tundra gas pedals that were recalled along with the darn floor mats. Stupid govt. recalls that waste people’s time and money. Dealer has called me already asking me to come in and get the recalls done, but I am not going to ever until I experience a problem with my gas pedals or floormats which are 1 in a million chance.
Jason, you’re welcome.
i expect nothing less from the liberal media as well as the feds.
What’s even more shameful is that the media cares more about the Lindsey Lohan junk than our boys and girls serving this great country.
Think for yourself, don’t drink the kool-aid. hahahahahaha
Just stop and think for a second what the Comrade In Chief, the mainslime media and Congress did to Toyota, our laws they broke to do it and the outrageous lies they told us.
Now, with that clear agenda firmly in mind, lets think about what may happen if the Black Panthers go to the July 28th Lincoln Memorial event that Glenn Beck is going to have. The Panthers, likely with the assistance of the NAACP will start a fight with Beck’s fans on national TV. Why would they, you ask?
Would Obama declare a ‘national emergency’ to order Martial law in which he can declare the Tea Party as racists – You know, like he did the cop in MA without knowing anything but what his bigoted buddy whined to him about over the phone. (As DHS has already declared the Tea Party homegrown terrorists right along with our Combat Vets) Then his announcement comes that loyal Americans must report or be forced to enter his “Re-education Camps” before a certain date.
Consider what the right preparations would be if you stopped and thought about it.
Can someone please moderate rants that have no place in these posts?
I have always tried to operate this site with a fairly open policy on comments. I have edited the comment from Winghunter to remove some offensive language, but the comment itself will stay.
Winghunter no need for that. TXTee only stated to keep the posts relative to the subject matter. Your post is a side matter. Although it only relates to how the govt has been acting.
I’m disappointed in having to explain this to, of all people, Toyota fans;
Without a Socialist administration’s agenda, Toyota wouldn’t have been abused and publicly harassed. To use it as the perfect example of what they obviously will continue to do is not hardly a “side matter”.
It’s about our capitalist system, our country and our very freedom. Wake up gentlemen.
Three things:
1. I disagree that another administration would have handled this much differently. So long as the UAW has a strong influence in congress (and that will be forever), foreign automakers like Toyota will be treated differently by politicians.
2. You’re entitled to your perspective, and I respect your contributions here, but the socialist/capitalist rhetoric is best reserved for a politically-oriented site. It’s a fine line to be sure – and I see the connection – but sweeping statements about socialism and allusions to re-education camps are a bit beyond the scope of this blog.
3. The real problem is your average run-of-the-mill American. Rather than investigate the issues thoughtfully, we are all guilty of taking shortcuts and simply trusting media to tell the whole story. I’m as guilty as anyone, and frankly I’m as much a part of the problem as I am the solution.
In summary, we should all expose ourselves to opposing viewpoints – especially in situations where our opinions are strongest. Churchill said that “A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject” – I think it’s a good reminder that an open mind is the only way to prevent fanatics and extremists from controlling the conversation (be they in the media or otherwise).
actually, with a socialistic administration, Toyota would not be here or they would have to be assimilated. Resistance is futile. (sorry, i couldnt resist).
Toyota would become property of the state. There is a fine line that seperates democracy, socialism and communism but this forum is not the place for that discussion.
Hmm, maybe we should investigate into the article a little deeper. Sounds like Toyota actually planted this story with the WSJ and that the NHTSA (DOT) and none of the government agencies have actually released any of their reports as of yet.
http://www.just-auto.com/news/nhtsa_id105109.aspx
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/0.....by-toyota/
So it may be true the findings posted in the WSJ. But until the word comes directly from the investigating party (NHTSA) and not Toyota themselves, I’ll have to reserve judgement.
Here comes the flaming!
Good job, Jason! Nice Chris and Danny!
“3. The real problem is your average run-of-the-mill American. Rather than investigate the ssues thoughtfully, we are all guilty of taking shortcuts and simply trusting media to tel the whole story. I’m as guilty as anyone, and frankly I’m as much a part of the problem as I am the solution.”
Is this a Toyota propaganda site? Seems like it is always one sided and far from the truth. Maybe that explains no response from a PR department or has there been and we just will never be told?? That’s the Toyota way!
The hits just keep on coming to Toyota.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/.....-jury.html
LMAO! Could this be karma????
Justin – I’ve read that too. I have a hard time believing the WSJ is gullible enough to allow themselves to be tricked by a Toyota source.
There’s also the fact that the automotive news is also reporting that NHTSA couldn’t find any problems…doubt they were planted either.
http://www.autonews.com/apps/p.....99994/1137
My guess? Political damage control. If NHTSA worked hard to drive the bus over Toyota, and then published a study that completely contradicted those actions a few months later, the would look pretty bad.
As you say, we’ll have to wait and see. My money? The WSJ got it right.
The grand jury subpoena is definitely disturbing…it’s the same old story with Toyota. Problems – big or small – are swept under the rug. I honestly don’t think there’s much to it, but it’s hard to tell when Toyota’s execs rush to hide everything.
I’m hearing that Toyota is changing their culture, but that will take time too.
Greg – Thanks! Care to bet about what the final NHTSA report will say? You name the amount.
Sorry I thought we cleared this up! Sigh, I’m past the childish bets and double dog dares. So when do you expect a reply from Dodge about the SAE? Just a idea for professional correspondence is you may not want to use 🙂 , makes it hard for people to take you serious. Also telling them that you have a $100 bet on the line will really get them moving, Yhea right! The way I read your email was you where looking to settle a pissing contest and if I was them I would send it to the trash! Well its been how long, apparently they are taking your inquiry seriously!
Greg that can be taken another way. Just as you state you can’t trust a certain manufacturer. I would take that the same that Dadge has something to hide by not responding. So your manufactureur has the ball in their court so how long will they stall? I understand why you don’t like to bet. Just man up you were wrong. As Jason stated NHTSA will come out with their verdict and guess who will eat crow there Greg? You want some Chipotle with that crow?
Greg – I wouldn’t have expected anything less from you – if you would have decided to invest something more than hot air in one of your proclamations I would have been shocked.
I’ve followed up with Nick, but I was asked if it was a “rush” and I said no.
I appreciate the tip on the smiley-face – did you learn that during your years of corresponding with PR people? OH WAIT – you change oil for a living. 🙂
Why don’t you leave the “advice” to someone else, eh?
If you want to discuss this further, this is the wrong post to do it on. Thanks.
That speaks alot for someone in marketing! Oil change Guy knows more about email etiquette, LMAO! Maybe this will help! 🙂
http://careerplanning.about.co.....l_tips.htm
Now heres some news for you! Apperently Toyota is a great automobile company, so great they came in second! From last that is!
http://www.autospies.com/news/.....Why-56061/
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/a.....ts/page-25
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/T.....up/ratings
They say the powertrain is “the rest”! I find it funny that the reliability is so high but the powertrain is the ranked so low! In Toyota’s defense do they know what they are doing? We know toyota doesn’t!
greg – The most authoritative resource you could find is an About.com article about email etiquette? Lame. I appreciate the suggestion, and I’ll file it right along with all the other wonderful advice you’ve shared with me. In fact, you should consider writing a book.
As for your links to the JD Power Apeal study, there’s no denying that some consumer sentiment towards Toyota is negative. Mass hysteria tends to do that, and Toyota’s penchant for hiding problems and ignoring consumers doesn’t help. They’ve got a lot of work to do to regain the goodwill that was lost, and frankly I’m not sure they’ll ever return to the extraordinary reputation for quality and reliability that they once enjoyed. I think consumers are starting to realize that all vehicles are pretty similar when it comes right down to it.
Since this comment of yours included some interesting comments, I didn’t delete it from this post. However, if you can’t stick to the topic (NHTSA and Toyota throttles) your comments will be deleted. See the new comment policy for details.
The truth, what is it? Is this not what he said “On Tue, Jul 6, 2010 at 4:52 PM, wrote: > > Checking…but it may not be until tomorrow (EST).” Tomorrow would mean July 7th correct? Or is there more emails?
greg – You haven’t been CCd on any of his responses. I’ll get you caught up now.
Jason I do have to say those are some great credentials Greg has:
Oil Change Guy = Jiffy Lube Special
Email Etiquette = Coffee place of choice to use free WIFI.
Knows where to put a smiley face…… I guess where the sun don’t shine 🙂
Also Greg you’re about a month behind in the articles about Toyota placing 2nd to last. If you took off your blinders you would have read the article last month on this website. So here’s your sign 🙂
Also Greg while you’re at it maybe you can answer this since you’re all knowing why is your manufacturer being ordered to follow a “FOREIGN” manufacturer? This from the prez!
That’s great Mickey, If we are looking for a security guard we will keep you in mind. We wont expect much knowing what you retired as!
the article was published July 19 2010. Maybe you want to school up Jason since its old information and this is his site! Or maybe your wrong!
Greg again you keep trying but as usual you’re a pure failure. If anyone is wrong you just need to look in the mirror. Oh yes I’ll take your money to the bank every 1st of the month. I’ll also take your money to pay for my medical and dental thank you very much. That’s the fun of being retired military there Greg, Now I can do what I want when I want. Your money is helping to pay for my American built but “Foreign” named truck. So I’m happy to spend your money on what I want. So Greg which Foreign automaker you’re Dodge will emulate?
Also Greg the same article was published here on June 19th. Again you’re a day late and as usual a dollar short.
Mickey could you atleast get the date right! I assume you are speaking of this article on the 21st of June 2010 not the 19th.
https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2010/06/21/gmc-sierra-quality-jd-power/
If this isn’t it please post a link to the article that is speaking of
“The APEAL Study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes. The 2010 APEAL Study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2010 from more than 76,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2010 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership. The APEAL Study complements the recently released J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study(IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership.” That is what the article I posted is speaking of!
Here you go Greg. It was the 28th of June.
https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2010/06/28/kbb-2010-truck-comparison/
Now to show the great email etiquette and internet specialist take your mouse over to Archives (Month). Since I gave you the hint June 2010 it shouldn’t be that hard to find. A 3rd grader can find it Greg.
Here you go Greg read the posts from HEMI:
http://www.tundratalk.net/foru.....ealed.html
Mickey do you releize we where talking of the article about JD Powers APEAL review? I don’t see how a Kelly Blue Books review is the same as a JD Power? I think even a third grader would notice that KBB is not the same as JD Power! Wanna try again? Is this turning into the elusive Dodge owns Titan name link? ?
Here’s something else to chew on while we wait for Mickey!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07.....5sun2.html
Mickey that link to tundratalk is outstanding! I’m assuming that this is the individuals toyota is talking about when they say “driver error”. If he couldnt find the article of Dodge already meeting the SAE standard then he’s a prime candidate for the reason we have warnings! The government should really put a warning on people it would make it a lot easier! Then Toyota wouldn’t have this problem!
Greg you’re the same old story. The same to you bud about the Tundra with a stuck pedal. No link also. Hey what about you’re lost bet and that great email you got? Yes, I knew it was from KBB that put the same article as you were mentioning. Same subject different sources.
Also Greg that guy “Hemi” is a dodge lover who owns a Tundra. Now can you say oxymoron. Yes that’s his own view as a Tech for Toyota. At least that’s what he’s caliming.
Look again Mickey! This isnt about the Tundra specifically but the company as a whole!
http://www.autospies.com/image.....tolast.jpg