Toyota Faces Suit Over Alleged Prius Stall Defect

By Emily Field

Law360 (February 2, 2018, 7:38 PM EST) -- A Toyota driver has hit the car company with a proposed class action in California state court alleging that its Prius hybrid cars have a defect that creates a serious risk of stalling while traveling at high speeds, potentially resulting in a crash.

Jevdet Rexhepi of Los Angeles said in the Wednesday complaint that Prius hybrids from model years 2010 to 2016 contain a defect that causes the intelligent power module to be dangerously inclined to fail, creating a grave risk that the engine will stall..

https://www.law360.com/articles/1008682?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=articles_search

Teens in Chardon Township fatal TOYOTA PRIUS crash identified

A MedEvac helicopter transports one of the victims involved in the June 6, 2017, fatal crash on Route 44 in Chardon Township to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland with life-threatening injuries. (Kristi Garabrandt - The News-Herald​)

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Multiple fire departments and Ohio Highway Patrol were on the scene of the June 6, 2017, fatal crash on Route 44 in Chardon Township. (Kristi Garabrandt - The News-Herald​)

Teens in Chardon Township fatal crash identified

By Kristi Garabrandt, The News-Herald

POSTED: 06/06/17, 12:56 PM EDT | 

A torn certificate recognizing a student’s achievements and a pair of tennis shoes lay in the road near a mangled Toyota Prius following a fatal crash that happened about 12:25 p.m. June 6 at Route 44 and Hosford Road in Chardon Township.

An Ohio Highway Patrol news release stated that the westbound, black, 2010 Toyota failed to stop at the intersection and was hit on its passenger side by a white, 2004 Sterling commercial truck driven south along Route 44 by 46-year-old Sean Gates, an Erie, Pennsylvania, resident.

The Toyota’s driver, 17-year-old Chardon resident Jackson Condon, suffered critical injuries and was taken from the scene by medical helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. The OHP, in its news release, described his injuries as life threatening.

The Toyota’s passenger — 18-year-old Middlefield resident Dominic Ricci — was taken by rescue squad to TriPoint Medical Center in Concord Township and pronounced dead on arrival, the OHP stated.

First responders, including crews from the Chardon, Hambden Township and Munson Township fire departments, were on scene following the crash, along with Geauga County Sheriff’s Office deputies, OHP troopers, Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Motor Carrier Enforcement personnel.

The OHP’s news release stated that everyone involved in the crash was wearing a seat belt and that neither alcohol nor drugs appear to factor into the crash, which remains under investigation.

In a statement released on the afternoon of June 6, Chardon Schools officials expressed their sorrow about the tragic incident and informed the community about the availability of grief counselors in its wake.

“Providing support for our school family is an important priority in our district,” the statement reads. “To assist students and staff in coping with this tragic event, counselors and high school personnel will be available to provide support ... this evening, June 6, beginning at 4 p.m. Counselors and school personnel will be available tomorrow, June 7, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Chardon High School.”

The district’s superintendent also conveyed his sympathies.

“The thoughts and prayers of al of us at Chardon Schools are with the families of these two outstanding young men during this difficult time,” Michael Hanlon Jr. wrote in a statement. “Our entire school community will continue to support the families, and each other, in coping with this terrible tragedy. Now, more than ever, we call on the core value of community, that has become a cornerstone of Chardon High School.”

News-Herald Staff Writer Jonathan Tressler contributed to this report.

http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20170606/teens-in-chardon-township-fatal-crash-identified

Toyota: Software to blame for Prius brake

problems

February 4, 2010 7:04 p.m. EST

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/04/japan.prius.complaints/

(2010 Toyota Prius)

(excerpt):

Toyota officials described the problem as a "disconnect" in the

vehicle's complex anti-lock brake system (ABS) that causes less

than a one-second lag. With the delay, a vehicle going 60 mph will

have traveled nearly another 90 feet before the brakes begin to

take hold.

© 2017 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

=======================================

2010 TOYOTA PRIUS Problems & Complaints (as of: 6 Jun 2017)

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2010/toyota/prius/   (2172)

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2010/toyota/prius/service_brakes/problem.aspx   (199)

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2010/toyota/prius/service_brakes_air/problem.aspx   (21)

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2010/toyota/prius/service_brakes_electric/problem.aspx   (502)

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2010/toyota/prius/service_brakes_hydraulic/problem.aspx   (876)

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2010/toyota/prius/vehicle_speed_control/problem.aspx   (267)

=======================================

2010 Toyota Prius Recalls

https://www.automd.com/recall/toyota_m/prius_mm/2010_y/

----------------------------------------------------------

2010 Toyota Prius Technical Service Bulletins

https://www.automd.com/tsb/toyota_m/prius_mm/2010_y/

======================================

TOYOTA PRIUS CLASS ACTION SAYS HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT PREMATURELY

By Paul Tassin 

December 20, 2016

The owner of a Toyota Prius says the company has failed to address a defect that causes the car’s headlights to burn out prematurely.

Plaintiff Michael Robey says the low-beam headlights in 2010 and 2011 models of the Toyota Prius have a defect that can cause them to die suddenly, even while the vehicle is in operation.

“The Headlight Defect has been documented to occur without warning during vehicle operation and poses an extreme and unreasonable safety hazard to drivers, passengers and pedestrians,” Robey states.

“Numerous Class Vehicle owners have reported suddenly losing one or both low beam headlights while driving at night in dimly lit areas, on the highway and/or under other circumstances where properly functioning headlights are crucial.”

Several affected owners and renters have filed online complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to this Toyota Prius class action lawsuit. One reviewer claims their low beam headlights burned out while driving on the interstate and that they had to replace their headlights five times in the last three years.

Another reviewer reports having to replace the headlights in their Toyota Prius three times in a single year. Still another reports having to buy new bulbs every two months or risk having to drive with their high beams on constantly.

According to Robey, Toyota should have been fully aware of the alleged Toyota Prius headlight defect even without these agency complaints to put the company on notice. He alleges the company must have known about the problem through pre- and post-production testing and analysis.

Robey says he bought a 2010 Toyota Prius from a Berkeley, Calif. dealership in December of that year. He claims that by April 2014, the headlights were not functioning properly.

A dealership representative allegedly told Robey that not only were both low-beam headlights burned out but also that the driver’s side headlight assembly had melted. Repairs cost Robey more than $720 out of pocket, he says.

Robey seeks to represent a proposed plaintiff Class defined as “[a]ll persons who purchased or leased any 2010 through 2011 Toyota Prius vehicle in the United States.” He is also proposing a subclass consisting of Class Members who made their purchase in California.

Robey is asking the court for a remediation program that would require Toyota to repair the alleged headlight defect in all affected Toyota Prius vehicles without charge, and to extend the warranty on those vehicle’s headlight systems to 10 years or 120,000 miles. The program would also reimburse affected owners for expenses already incurred as a result of the headlight defect.

He also seeks an award of damages, restitution, court costs, attorneys’ fees, and any other available statutory remedies, all with pre- and post-judgment interest.

Robey is represented by attorneys Mark S. Greenstone and Lionel Z. Glancey of Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP.

The Toyota Prius Headlight Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Michael Robey v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc., Case No. 3:16-cv-07212, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/351905-toyota-prius-class-action-says-headlights-burn-prematurely/

Mr. Pickles Toyota Complaint

Do we see TOYOTA stepping forward?

	Joshua Pickles (@TheMrPickles)
12/14/14, 1:28 AM Yesterday I was driving a 2008 @Toyota Prius and the dashboard went dark & the vehicle could not be turned off. Dealership said 5 day repair

Download the official Twitter app here

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Problems & Complaints

AND TOYOTA STILL HAS NOT CORRECTED TOYOTA PROBLEMS NOR RESPONDED TO TOYOTA CONSUMER COMPLAINTS!

2012 Toyota Prius / Prius V (arfc.org)

==============================

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Problems & Complaints

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2012/toyota/prius/

------------------------------------------------------------

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Service Brakes Problems

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2012/toyota/prius/service_brakes/problem.aspx

------------------------------------------------------------

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Service Brakes Hydraulic Problems

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2012/toyota/prius/service_brakes_hydraulic/problem.aspx

(contains THE LEMON LADY'S complaint)

------------------------------------------------------------

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS Vehicle Speed Control Problems

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2012/toyota/prius/vehicle_speed_control/problem.aspx

========================================

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V Problems & Complaints

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2012/toyota/prius_v/

------------------------------------------------------------

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V Service Brakes Problems

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2012/toyota/prius_v/service_brakes/problem.aspx

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2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V Vehicle Speed Control Problems

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2012/toyota/prius_v/vehicle_speed_control/problem.aspx

========================================

 

TOYOTA actually responded???

This is the BIG ONE! 

TOYOTA actually replaced a DEFECTIVE TOYOTA?

An ELECTRONICS ISSUE in a TOYOTA PRIUS?


TOYOTA actually resolved the PROBLEM???




Car Talk: No walk in the park for Prius owner
Saturday July 19, 2014

Dear Tom and Ray:

My wife and I purchased a 2013 Toyota Prius in July 2013. We were parked at a mall when we had an unusual problem: I started the car and the “check hybrid system” light came on.

We called Toyota’s 1-800 number to have our car towed to the nearest Toyota dealer. The people there “powered down” the system, then “booted it up” again, and we drove home.

About a week later, the same thing happened. We had it towed to the nearest Toyota dealer, and we got our car back about a week later. I was told that the electronics in the car might have “a loose connection.” When I went to start the car, the problem recurred.

Another week passed and I got a call that my car was ready. The mechanic told me they replaced one defective computer cell, and the computer was “talking to itself.” I went into the parking lot to start the car, and the XM radio was knocked out. After 21/2 hours of waiting (again) for them to repair the XM, I was told the car got stuck in reverse when it came off the lift and that the rear camera was not functioning. To make a long story short, Toyota replaced our 2013 Prius with a 2014 Prius. My question is: How complicated are the electronics in a hybrid like the Prius? Can one thing going wrong cause a whole series of problems?

— Joseph


Ray: They’re very complicated.

Tom: Most people know that engine management has become computerized during the past couple of decades, with the computer figuring out how much air and fuel to send into the cylinders and controlling for emissions.

Ray: But not everyone realizes that almost everything else is now computerized, too: Shifting, braking, handling, safety systems, lighting, even steering and accelerator inputs are now being done “by wire.”

Tom: So cars now have not just one but many computers. And while that has a huge number of benefits, it also increases the complexity.

Ray: To all of that, the Prius adds a computer to manage its hybrid propulsion system. It decides when to use the electric motor to power the wheels, when to switch to the gas engine, and when to combine the two. It manages the regenerative braking system and the level of charge in the hybrid battery.

Tom: So the Prius is the poster child for electronic complexity in cars. But I’m not sure any of that explains why your car was so unreliable. I’m guessing your car was suffering from a fatal case of F.O.T. (fell off truck).

Ray: I think someone forgot to secure it to a car carrier or a lift, and … kersplat. Hey, my brother’s done it!

Tom: When there are electrical gremlins on a new car and even replacing the computers doesn’t make them go away, you have to suspect an accident, where some unseen wiring got partially severed or pinched.

Ray: The problem could be hidden inside the wiring sheath, which makes it hard to find, especially when the problem shows up only intermittently.

Tom: Toyota finally did the right thing for you by raising the white flag and giving you a brand-new car. Good for them.

Ray: Based on what we see in our own shop, your problems were highly unusual. We’ve never seen problems like this on a Prius, so I’m guessing you had a one-of-a-kind. You lucky devil!


Have a question about cars? Write to Click and Clack Talk Cars in care of King Feature Syndicate Group, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2014/07/19/no-walk-in-the-park-for-prius-owner.html

TOYOTA PRIUS injures 3 teens - Driver says NO BRAKES!

The driver of a TOYOTA PRIUS, pictured below, injured teenagers when he was unable to STOP his TOYOTA PRIUS. 

The driver, who complained of brake failure, remained at the scene while officials investigated. He was clearly distraught and crying uncontrollably as he talked to police and investigators.

CLICK ON LINK FOR THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE: 

3 Teens Seriously Injured — 1 Critically — After Being Struck By Vehicle In NoHo

Others have speculated that the TOYOTA PRIUS ACCIDENT above will precipitate TOYOTA going into PR OVERDRIVE to obscure public questioning of TOYOTA'S FAILURES. 

TOYOTA's Carefully Worded, OUTDATED Propaganda Defies Reality and "A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE" ...

TOYOTA PR in OVERDRIVE?

At the beginning of June, there was a TOYOTA PRIUS ACCIDENT that injured 3 teenagers. 

[REPORTED HERE: 

3 Teens Seriously Injured — 1 Critically — After Being Struck By TOYOTA PRIUS]

Is that why TOYOTA'S PROPAGANDISTS are in overdrive? 



Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Is the Toyota Prius a safe car or is the accelerator problem too risky?



The Prius is safe. The accelerator problem was a problem that didn't happen on the Prius. It happened on some models of GMs, Fords, and Toyotas made in the U.S. that used the CTS pedal. The metal used in this pedal would deform after a few years and cause sticking. All three manufacturers had recalls for this, but only Toyota made the media. The Prius never used this pedal.

There was also the problem with the floor mat being jammed in the pedal. Although Toyota had the dealer modify the pedal to reduce the potential for jamming, the Prius has brake-override so that if you pressed firmly on the brake (even with the accelerator jammed) the brake would override the accelerator. In addition, the main cause of floor mat pedal jamming was the addition of a second mat over the factory mat. But really, floor mats, bottles, and other assorted items have been causing car pedals to jam since there have been cars. Note that not all Toyotas (including the rental Lexus that the CHP officer and his family lost their lives in) have brake override.

The Prius is one of the safest cars out there, and here's why:

1. There are four braking systems on the Prius:

- Regenerative brakes
- Friction brakes
- Engine brakes
- Parking brakes

2. Vehicle stability control:

- A system that prevents doughnuts during slippery conditions if you are going anything like a reasonable speed. Studies from Europe and Japan indicate that VSC reduces head-on collisions by over 30%. Other cars have this feature, but not in the Prius' price range.

4. Brake assist:

- A system that applies extra force to the brake pedal when it senses an emergency stop. Studies by Mercedes indicate that people press the brakes quickly but not hard enough. Brake assist compensates for this tendency.

5. Brake override:

- A system that stops the acceleration when the brake pedal is pressed firmly.

6. The smooth acceleration of the Prius (there are no gears that shift) helps prevent you rear-ending someone if they slow down right after stopping. (An old fashioned economy car typically has a very low first gear to disguise the fact the engine is small--this creates rapid acceleration up to about 10 mph after which the acceleration bogs down. The Prius smoothly accelerates up to it's maximum speed of about 105 mph which is controlled by the system.)

7. Optionally in the 2010 Prius:

- Radar pre-collision

- Lane keep

Many of these systems prevent the accident in the first place. The best accident is one you don't have.

Oh, and don't worry about the battery. The 2004+ Prius batteries are likely to last as long as the car.

- See more at: http://www.wikitechnet.com/2014/06/is-toyota-prius-safe-car-or-is.html#sthash.VyeCkLOE.dpuf



    Parris Boyd
 I just love it when articles pop up trying to mislead the public because too many folks are finding out the facts about acknowledged crook Toyota. Read "Toyota's killer firmware: Bad design and its consequences."
Embedded systems expert Michael Barr found electronic defects galore, resulting in a guilty verdict for Toyota in the landmark unintended acceleration case last October in Oklahoma:

* Toyota's electronic throttle control system (ETCS) source code is of unreasonable quality.

* Toyota's source code is defective and contains bugs, including bugs that can cause unintended acceleration (UA)

* Code-quality metrics predict presence of additional bugs.

* Toyota's fail safes are defective and inadequate (referring to them as a 'house of cards' safety architecture).

* Misbehaviours of Toyota's ETCS are a cause of UA Discussions of Mr. Barr's findings are limited to a few trade journals because corporate-controlled mainstream media instituted a news blackout of the facts as soon as the Bookout verdict was announced. I've been blogging about the electronics issue.

Search "Beware of Toyota. Their next victim may be YOU..."



 CharleneBlake

 Don't be misled by this article. The Prius IS one vehicle with owner complaints of sudden unintended acceleration.

 Toyota's ELECTRONIC throttle control system software was found to have glitches that could cause high speed, sudden unintended acceleration.

Worse, such an electronic glitch could render the fail-safe (way to stop the SUA) INEFFECTIVE. Result?

The Toyota could be a runaway stoppable only by impact. Even then, the engine will continue revving forward until something stops forward (or backward as the case may be) momentum. What has Toyota admitted to regarding ELECTRONIC sudden unintended acceleration? Absolutely nothing, of course!

It has washed its corporate hands clean of all things SUA-related since that huge $1.2 BILLION DOJ settlement.

In the meantime, the NHTSA and Toyota have received countless complaints about Toyota and Lexus vehicles "taking off," "having a mind of its own," "going airborne," etc.

Storefront crashes and crashes-into-buildings/homes continue with a disproportionate number attributed to Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

There's a HUGE push to show driver "pedal misapplication" and much reference to this being a problem with "elderly" drivers. Drivers own complaints (showing remarkable similarity if one compares notes among these types of accidents) are discounted.

Worse, drivers are discredited...some say even targeted...by those who wish to keep the truth from surfacing.

Let's see...have we seen an automaker hide key safety-related information before?

Have we seen any cases where the NHTSA has even covered for an automaker in such unconscionable actions? OK...you get the idea.

THINK...why would an automaker wish to keep ELECTRONIC sudden unintended acceleration a secret?

After all, isn't SUA history and just about pesky floor mats, sticky accelerator pedals, or better-yet driver error? NO!

That's just what the automaker would like you to believe...and there's a HUGE economic reason for that, isn't there?

Unfortunately, what you do not know about ELECTRONICALLY-induced SUA can be an issue as many of the current SUA victims are learning the hard way. An electronic sudden unintended acceleration event can result (and has!) in jail time for the driver. Why?

Speculation of "pedal misapplication" is all that is left when the historically-unreliable EDR (black box) shows no braking even when the driver has two feet on the brake and incurs foot damage (see Tanya Spotts Lexus case).

The Toyota electronic throttle control system software glitch has been found not to leave a fault code. The vehicle brakes which did NOT function at the time of the ETCS-i software glitch show no signs of a failure mode.

The DRIVER is assumed GUILTY and the vehicle is found fault-free. It continues to happen DAILY. Absence of proof is NOT proof of absence.

This electronic SUA problem is one that every driver should be concerned about. Drivers should be asking some tough questions of the automaker, Toyota specifically.

Let's not forget that these engines are complex and computer-driven. Electronics will have glitches. The important factor is how these glitches are handled within and what safety standards have been applied.

An electronic software glitch which renders a fail-safe ineffective is totally unacceptable. Don't make assumptions that strict safety standards have been applied when they have not!



CharleneBlake


Who knew that driving a Toyota or Lexus could result in jail time and worse if a sudden unintended acceleration accident occurred?

Toyota said all this is over because the recall has been done and it has paid its $1.2 billion fine.

THINK again if you believe that claim!

The real problem currently is ELECTRONIC SUA and accidents are happening daily.

Many of these involve vehicles in parking lots when braking is initiated.

Storefront crashes and crashes-into-buildings/homes are reported. Toyota finds the vehicle faultless...no code stored and EDR (black box) shows no braking.

However, Toyota and Lexus drivers report the vehicle "taking off" or "having a mind of its own."

These same vehicles have been reported going airborne from a standstill starting point in a parking lot!

Here are the critical issues:

Sloppily-designed Toyota electronic throttle system software (see Michael Barr's findings) equals RUNAWAY---a.k.a. sudden unintended acceleration----Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Worse?

The electronic fail-safe---a.k.a. the way to stop the runaway---is also rendered ineffective at the time of the SUA glitch (Michael Barr, embedded software expert). Translation?

Your runaway Toyota or Lexus is not going to stop until something stops it! Even worse?

Your Toyota or Lexus EDR---a.k.a black box---is going to record inconsistent, unreliable data (see Dr. Antony Anderson's findings). Problem?

You will be CHARGED for any deaths or injuries to others as a result of an accident your runaway vehicle causes based on the faulty EDR results and an assumption of "driver pedal misapplication."

More of a problem?

You may go to JAIL or prison if the EDR erroneously shows that you are not braking---which it has for others more often than not.

Essentially, you will be deemed not telling the truth or confused in media coverage because Toyota will say its EDR is accurate---even though it admitted this data was unreliable previously. Even a bigger problem?

If there is any chance a detail comes out that supports the driver, the media will take sides with the automaker and support your character assassination publicly.

Are you on prescription meds or any medications? Are you an older citizen? Are you a woman and older? Bingo!

Elderly pedal misapplication, according to media and Toyota.

 Don't worry...all your skeletons will be dug up as Toyota goes full steam ahead to escape blame for faulty electronics!

Just keep track of all these mysterious vehicles-into-homes and storefront crashes and read the headlines. Read the PR propaganda supporting driver error. Toyota's $$ goes far and wide...even to the heart of the very agency commissioned to protect your SAFETY!

The DOJ and NHTSA are still looking the other way---a.k.a. protecting corporate interests. They do not want to open up the ELECTRONIC sudden unintended acceleration issue as then there will be a public cover-up scandal which rivals the best---or worst---of them. 

All the above doesn't factor in the so far little-known in the U.S. whistleblower, Betsy Benjaminson.

She's has copies of hundreds of internal Toyota documents.

Many of these show clear evidence of concern over an electronic throttle system problem---a.k.a. "ghost in the engine"---and the lack of fix for it.

Betsy has a blog where she has posted some of the evidence. She's been the feature of several articles and a podcast interview outside the U.S. Google her name to find.

Toyota, the media, and the government seem to be handling each new suspicious runaway vehicle accident---a.k.a. driver states pressing brake when the vehicle takes off, becomes airborne, has a mind of its own, etc.---on a case-by-case basis.

Apparently, there is the hope that each case will blow over with little public attention. There is hope, too, that the public buys into the PR machine working overtime with law enforcement and media to BLAME the vehicle driver. SUA victim = SCAPEGOAT.

As far as Toyota is concerned, it is DONE with the topic of sudden unintended acceleration. Period.

It got the free pass with a huge U.S. Government fine---a.k.a. permission not to face the music regarding ELECTRONIC SUA.

Floor mats, pedals, driver error...done DEAL.

Toyota's well-orchestrated smoke screen continues aided and abetted by our very own safety regulatory agency. Can't beat that!

The sky's the limit now...think of all the untoward consequences for Toyota owners, not to mention the driving public.

Toyota is #1 in numbers of sudden unintended acceleration events. BUT...it is not alone!

This is an industry-wide phenomenon and not one automaker wants the public knowledgeable about ELECTRONIC sudden unintended acceleration.


 CharleneBlake

 Toyota and Lexus vehicles...especially the Toyota Camry...have taken the lead in terms of sudden unintended acceleration-related crashes, particularly storefront crashes.

Toyota vehicles have been found to have electronic glitches in the throttle system software (see Michael Barr's finding at embedded gurus dot com) which can result in a full-throttle condition with an ineffective fail-safe.

This is a serious state which can lead to fatality or significant injury.

A Toyota owner recently won a big court case (Bookout V. Toyota) against Toyota which involved death and injury to the Toyota Camry occupants.

In addition, Dr. Antony Anderson has analyzed the crash of a 2012 Toyota Highlander into a house.

He has compared the recordings of the EDR (black box) with the video footage caught in the home security system.

Dr. Anderson found discrepancies between the two.

He found inaccurate recording of the EDR. This is significant because often the driver of the vehicle which has crashed into a building or storefront is INCRIMINATED based on the EDR alone.

The driver is often braking at the time of the SUA initiation, but Toyota claims he/she is not doing so based in the EDR. In some cases prison time has resulted because the EDR results are accepted over the vehicle driver's sworn statement. Toyota owners BEWARE of Toyota's lack of support after an SUA event!

Sudden unintended acceleration is NOT a problem related only to the elderly or women; it is not a driver error problem; it is not a simple stuck accelerator pedal or drifting floor mat issue.

This is a DEADLY issue which the automakers, NHTSA, or the Department of Justice (I.e. Toyota's criminal investigation) have not properly addressed. In fact, there is strong DENIAL that the problem exists at all.

Yet...the crashes continue at an alarming rate now. Barriers placed in front of storefronts is a noble gesture. However, this is just a treat-the-symptom maneuver. The CAUSE must be recognized and fully addressed instead of being ignored.

CharleneBlake


REALLY?

The Toyota Prius is not affected by the Toyota recall?!? Perhaps that's PROOF then that there is an ELECTRONIC issue that initiates the sudden unintended acceleration events...especially those with symptoms experienced in this article.

http://xenophilia.com/your-prius-may-try-to-kill-you-accelerates-by-itself-toyota-denies-it/


CharleneBlake

Tell Elizabeth James that her Prius was safe. It wasn't the floor mats. How ludicrous a claim.

This problem involves the comes computer software in the Toyota ELECTRONIC control throttle system.

Expert embedded software engineer, Michael Barr found a problem that could also render the vehicle unstoppable due to the ineffective fail-safe.

The "shoe" fits but Toyota doesn't want to address the occurrence of these glitches.

It seems to be hiding behind the flawed NHTSA/NASA study which was far too brief to make any real conclusions.

As a matter of fact, the study conclusion was reached that more investigation would be needed.

The statement made publicly that there is no electronic cause for sudden unintended acceleration in a Toyota or Lexus is FALSE.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-XJAddtkz8&feature=youtu.be




CharleneBlake

 There is now a lot of information concerning Toyota’s embedded software regarding their ETCS-I (electronic throttle control system with intelligence) as a result of the October 2013 Bookout trial in Oklahoma.
=================================================
Sudden Unintended Acceleration Events – Prius Gen 3, 2011 Model In Uk May 02 2014 03:01 PM
http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/158898-sudden-unintended-acceleration-events-prius-gen-3-2011-model-in-uk/page-2

http://priuschat.com/threads/prius-c-moves-forward-when-shifting-in-reverse.117440/

http://priuschat.com/threads/after-losing-verdict-toyota-settles-in-sudden-acceleration-case.133794/
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Prius C Sudden Acceleration problem? Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' Tuesday at 2:24 PM.
http://www.ocweekly.com/2009-04-23/news/prius/
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After losing verdict, Toyota settles in sudden acceleration case Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' Sunday at 1:51 PM.
http://priuschat.com/threads/after-losing-verdict-toyota-settles-in-sudden-acceleration-case.133794/

(discussion of software findings)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prius Drivers Have Discovered the Hybrid Car Can Take Them On an Unexpected Adventure By PAUL KNIGHT Thursday, Apr 23 2009

http://www.ocweekly.com/2009-04-23/news/prius/
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supreme Court turns away Toyota's appeal over brake lawsuits Greg Stohr Bloomberg News
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-07/toyota-rebuffed-by-supreme-court-on-prius-brake-lawsuits.html
(2010 Toyota Prius)
===============================================
No recall? Local woman one of thousands with Toyota headlight problems by Mike Colombo / News 4 and KMOV.com staff Posted on February 19, 2013 at 5:33 PM Updated Tuesday, Feb 19 at 5:41 PM
http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Local-woman-one-of-thousands-with-Toyota-headlight-problems-191911091.html
(with 2:35 min video segment)
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Video: Michael Barr Speaks of Software That Kills Junko Yoshida, Chief International Correspondent 5/7/2014 12:21 PM EDT
http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=36&doc_id=1322110
(with 6:08 min video)
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Toyota Code Could Be Lethal Written by Harry Fairhead Wednesday, 26 February 2014
http://www.i-programmer.info/news/91-hardware/6995-toyota-code-could-be-lethal-.html
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Toyota's killer firmware: Bad design and its consequences Michael Dunn - October 28, 2013
http://www.edn.com/design/automotive/4423428/Toyota-s-killer-firmware--Bad-design-and-its-consequences

Toyota Owner: Ride 'A Near Death Experience'

And then the phony apologies from Akio Toyoda about a problems TOYOTA ignored, refused to correct, killing and injuring far too many innocent victims.

 

Below are 2013 complaints from Consumer Affairs regarding only TOYOTA PRIUS.
[Other model complaints are available on link.]

Remember that only a small fraction of people complain.






Things were going along pretty well for Toyota until it inadvertently became the World Recall Champion. What with the unintended acceleration problem, weird goings-on with the Prius and a rash of setbacks, Toyota suddenly finds itself trying to repair its once-stellar reputation.

Nevertheless, many consumers willingly pay a premium price for Toyotas, spending thousands more than they'd pay for a comparable car from another manufacturer.


Our advice: do your research, shop around.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/toyota.htm

Cora of Basehor, MO on Oct. 28, 2013
At 88K miles, a light came on to add oil. I thought this was odd having a 1998 Toyota that I have never had to add oil in between service. My car was consistently down 1/3 of a quart for every 1000 miles. I was told this was normal and did not fall under my warranty. This is crap. I have owned 4 Toyotas and this has never happened before. Do not fall for this!!!

Max of Lago Vista, TX on Oct. 25, 2013
We bought our Toyota Prius new in 2010. All regular service and maintenance has been done at a Toyota Dealer in Round Rock, Texas. At 40K miles, I noticed a yellow caution light would flash briefly when changing lanes or making turns. This problem occurred more frequently as time went on. On the last oil change, we were told that the flashing light indicated an engine oil leak. This would cost anywhere between $3200 and $6000 to fix. We buy Toyotas faithfully, since we do expect better quality than a Ford or a Chevy product. So now, the best that Toyota can do is pay $800 towards this Prius to fix a major engine problem. This is outrageous!! The anticipated gas savings are far outweighed by the higher cost of the car and an expensive repair job to the engine. I would have been far ahead if I would have bought a Ford or a Chevy!! ARE YOU READING THIS, TOYOTA CORPORATE MANAGEMENT!!!!!!!

John of Rocklin, CA on Oct. 14, 2013
Lost both smart keys to my Toyota Prius, and come to find out, the Roseville Toyota dealership wants $700.00 to replace one key. I called numerous locksmiths who cannot work on the car due to proprietary reasons Toyota has in place. Since I have no choice, I paid the exorbitant fee. I could have purchased a really nice home computer for that price, or for that matter, almost a whole engine for that price. Needless to say, I will not be purchasing another car from Toyota and their unscrupulous business practices. I would have never bought the car 4 years ago had I known about the ridiculous replacement cost for a Prius smart key.

Dena of Bethesda, MD on Oct. 7, 2013
I was parking and was about to apply parking brake which I always use. I had my foot on brake pedal when car suddenly lurched to the right, jumped a curb, grazed a signpost leaving green paint along the passenger side of the car. The car stopped as suddenly as it had lurched to the right and stopped across an entrance lane to the parking lot. No one was hurt, just shook up from this frightening and potentially lethal event. I have less than 7000 miles on the car and up to now have been in love with it and its performance. I guess I will get over the scare. Right now, it is at the dealer's awaiting the Toyota Case Manager's inspection.

Donna of Abingdon, MD on Sept. 30, 2013
I bought a new 2010 Toyota Prius from the dealer. It has 66,000 miles on it. I noticed at 65,000 miles that it had a horrible noise coming from the rear. Took the car in for a recall on the brake assembly and asked them to check the rear tires, suspension, etc. They told me the car was fine and it may need balancing. Took the car to another car repair shop and they told me the rear bearings were bad and that it would cost $603.00 to replace bearing and hub in the right rear wheel only.
Next day, they said that Toyota would pay half of the cost. I am still paying on this car and have had numerous Toyotas in the past that I never had a problem with the bearing. I think that it is unreasonable that this part is not covered 100%. The car is garage kept day and night and the miles are high from driving to work on the highway. After reading on the internet, I noticed that there are quite a few people who have had bearing problems with the 2010 Prius, so I assume that this is a defective part in that year car.

Emilio of Miami, FL on Sept. 26, 2013
I went to Kendall Toyota and I bought a 2010 Toyota Prius. Two weeks later, had to return car, it was a mess. They offer me 2012 with 14,000 on 03/24/13. On around 09/12/13, I had two flats two weeks in a row. I told the service advisor if the tires had any warranty, car has 29,000. He said no. I notice the tires were bad in the front . I decide to put Michelin Supremacy, cost me $758.00 . I notice the car had a lot of vibration while driving between 60 and 70 mph. I was told it needed balance. They balanced the tires again, car has the same problem. I wrote to Toyota because in any car vibration is not normal. They told me to go back to the dealership. The master tech told me that the car has no problem, it was normal. Even the passenger car shake when you drive this car.
I am in resolution with Toyota now but the mail that I received after all this is that dealership checked the Prius and found no problem. I mean they don't even read the email that I wrote telling them the dealership found no problem with my Prius. I am that one the has to drive the car every day and the car has a lot vibration. Which I consider not safe for my family. I am still waiting on Toyota as of 09/26/2013. It's a shame that their vision is about safety which right now I don't believe they care about.

Cecilia of Gainesville, FL on Sept. 10, 2013
I have a Prius and for over a year now I've had a problem with the battery. When it's hot outside, the battery drops from fully charged to 1 or 2 bars and the car loses power. The first time I took the car to the dealer was in June 2012. They always tell me there is nothing wrong with the car and that behavior is normal. Well, it is not. It happens every afternoon when I leave work and the car has been sitting in the sun for hours. It is a safety issue. It doesn't matter how fast I'm driving. As the car loses power, my speed goes suddenly down and it has happened more than a few times on the highway. It has also affected the performance of the car. I used to get between 44 and 46 miles per gallon on a regular basis and now I can hardly get 40 with luck. I just dropped the car one more time @ the dealer this morning but I'm not expecting them to fix it. I'll let them know though that if I get involved in a car accident, I'll sue them and I have proof that they have been negligent in dealing with my problem.

linda of Murphys, CA on Sept. 4, 2013
My '05 Prius Toyota has yet another problem - besides stopping automatically, pedal sticking, 2 recalls now - the interactive screen is un-interactive - I see it's detailed in TSB EL002-05, and their fix is to swap in a new unit. I am exhausted with repairs to this car - what are ya gonna do?

Ronald of Kalamazoo , MI on Sept. 3, 2013
My wife and I bought two new 2013 Toyota Priuses. The navigation system on both has dark purple screens in metropolitan areas. And night screen is almost black. Toyota said there is nothing they can do to correct this situation. Which is very disappointing. We are going to put our Garmin back on the windshield. At least we can see the screen. Be very weary if you are considering a Toyota w/ navigation. I suggest you not get the navigation system and save yourself the cost. Also the Entune system needs a cell phone in order to operate. Never heard of such a thing in order to have the tech system work. So in conclusion the Toyotas are good mechanically, but suck technically

Makayla of Beckley, WV on Aug. 30, 2013
First and foremost, I own a 2011 Toyota Prius, purchased in January of 2012, brand new. While I have owned an FWD vehicle as well as an AWD vehicle, I have never found a vehicle that performs as poorly as this one in the snow. The car entirely disables function whenever it slides which is lethal when you live in a mountainous area and need some gas to make it up the hills/mountains and rough terrain. There is also no way to disable the "traction control," either, and if you expect your ABS to work, then you're an optimist.
The next complaint I have with the vehicle is my rapidly growing problems with the brakes. I commute roughly 50 miles to my school everyday, and this is growing to be a huge safety hazard for someone who travels as much as I do. Anytime my car hits rough terrain, a pothole, even a small patch of ice or wet roads, my brakes accelerate me forward. This has happened to me on numerous occasions (and it happens daily) going around curves, down hills & has put me into numerous situations that could have been lethal if I weren't a responsive driver.
My car had been at the dealership twice over the issue & both times I was told, "We ran diagnostics and couldn't replicate the issue," basically insinuating I was lying. The irony is I traded in my WRX because of brake issues for the Prius. Another issue I have is with Electronics in my car. It does strange things, which I disregarded recently as quirks such as the lights flickering on the display at night, and my CD player ejecting all 6 discs at me while I'm driving down the road. The fact of the matter is that all the problems have been ignored by not only the dealerships, but also Toyota itself. The car has great potential to be an amazing vehicle if Toyota would cooperate with its consumers, and take our warnings as well. I feel mildly guilty wanting to trade out of it, but that seems to be my only option. I'm just afraid of its potential danger to not only me, but everyone else as well.

JOHN of Ringgold, GA on Aug. 24, 2013
My 2009 Prius lost the headlights after about 50k miles and my battery died shortly thereafter. I met another owner having the light problem and the cost for both is about $600.

Sarah of San Diego, CA on July 31, 2013
I bought a pre-owned "certified" Prius in 2012. It is a 2007 year model. Last Sept '12, I brought it in because the gas gauge was not responding when filled. I went in and they said they "reset" it. Now here it is, less than a year later, same problem. I have driven this car less than 8,000 miles since purchased. Now I have to pay $900 to fix it, for a car I have barely driven. I am furious, needless to say. So after spending nearly $20,000 a year and half ago, barely driving the car, I am hit with this, AND they say that it will need a new aux battery, too, at another $300!! "Certified" my **. I will spend until my last breath making sure everyone knows about this Toyota dealership in Carlsbad, CA.

carol of Long Barn, CA on July 18, 2013
Driving the Prius I set the cruise control at 42MPH, continued on route without taking C/C off. Speed limit changed so I increased my speed by using the C/C to new speed. As I continued the engine started racing and the car went into neutral, but the dash stated it was still in drive mode. This happened on a hill and I was told by dealership that this was normal. The only way to stop it was hit brake and put car back into drive without C/C on. I thought this was dangerous and unsafe. I have run the car down the same hill in C/C with no problem. But it seems increasing the speed by the C/C dial seems to affect it and it cannot stay in drive. They are telling me that it is normal way for the car to run since it has no brakes on a hill. They also stated that it was made for flat land and not hills. They are not doing anything about it.

Richard of Palm Bay, FL on July 16, 2013
Every time I drive the headlights will go out. I turn them off and then back on and they work for a while then go out again. I replaced them twice and still the same problem. After research people say the HID/ECU is bad but Toyota dealer says they cannot replace that unless I put new bulbs in again. This is not right. They should have a recall.

Delta of Charlotte, NC on June 8, 2013
On the way back from a road trip, a warning signal came on my dashboard. As I attempted to get off on the nearest exit, my steering wheel locked up and I was barely able to turn off the exit. The "PS" warning signal was on. I took my car to the Toyota dealer after "PS" warning signal came on - indicating a problem with the power steering. I was told both the power steering gear assembly and ECU would need to be replaced, totaling over $2,000 in repairs. I got quotes for the repairs from several other Toyota dealerships, one for $2,500 and one for $3,889, with all 3 Toyota dealerships failing to inform me there was a recall on that specific part.
I later find that there was a recall on the power steering gear assembly unit for my car (2002 Prius), which Toyota failed to inform me of. After calling Toyota headquarters and Toyota Customer Service Experience, I was told my specific VIN number was NOT included in the recall, and that there was nothing they could do about it. I then call the dealership where I got the car from, and I was told that there was a recall on my car and that the repairs had been done before I even got the car, but that the warranty had expired.
I then called back Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. I was given a different answer this time. I was told that my car was included in the recall, but that the warranty was expired. I then explained the danger of the situation with my steering wheel having a potential to lock up at any time due to this faulty part. However Toyota felt they were not responsible for this part, and that the responsibility fell on me for these faulty repairs. Before this experience I was very supportive of Toyota up until now. But now seeing how they conduct business and didn't seem to care that a faulty part in my car could have been life threatening, I am no longer a consumer of Toyota. I was very surprised and disappointed at the treatment I received.

Cindy of Ocean Springs, MS on May 30, 2013
I love my Prius 2006, but I have had a problem with the headlights since it was new. I have received two warning tickets from the police over the years. The funny thing is that one light will be out, and I turn the lights off and on again, and amazingly, the light bulb is back on. The police are surprised because they thought the headlight was burnt out. So how is that explained? Toyota says it is a faulty headlight. Toyota replaced them initially. Since then, I have replaced them too. At first, one headlight went off and on randomly, now they go out both randomly when I hit the brakes.
When I replaced one, the other started having the problem instead of the new one. I am so frustrated and was told that I have to replace both bulbs at the same time, which I will do next. The bulbs are $170.00. It seems like it could be electrical to me and I would like Toyota to fix this problem. I have told my dealership about the problem just about every time I come in, and I have called Toyota customer service. It seems like no one is listening to me and Toyota does not care, and that is so upsetting!

Danielle of Upper Marlboro, MD on May 28, 2013
I have a 2005, 110,000 mile Prius and my HV battery just died. Toyota wants me to buy a new battery for $5,000! My car is only worth $5,000! SHAME ON YOU TOYOTA!!! I will never buy a Toyota again. Before this car, I had two Corollas and my mom has an MR2. Is this how you treat your loyal customers? I will NEVER buy a Toyota again. I was your biggest cheerleader... until now :(

Sue of Shasta Lake, CA on May 17, 2013
I have a 2008 Prius which I bought 5 years ago, package 5. Last week, I found a personal safety flaw in the locking system. When you open the trunk latch, it opens all the doors and you cannot relock until the trunk is shut. I usually find this feature helpful. But last week I was grocery shopping, I came out to my car, opened the trunk to put groceries in and someone jumped in the passenger side of the car taking whatever they could. I called the dealership and they said there is no way to reprogram the locking system. The crooks know about this and are taking advantage of it.

Mitchell of Fremont, CA on March 31, 2013
I have previously purchased 2 other Prius's; a 2006 with package 2 and a 2009 with package 5. I saw the new Prius in March 2012 and bought one. Within a week after delivery, there seemed to be a slight crack in the glass that started under the windshield wiper. I brought it back to Pierce Toyota in Milpitas a couple of days later. They looked under the wipers and saw a partial hole in the windshield. The hole was smaller than a pin hole. They told me that it was from some road hazard and that is not covered by the guarantee. They told me to make a claim with my auto insurance company ($250 deductible). I appealed that decision to the manger to no avail.
I called up the Toyota national office as outlined in the guarantee book. Again, they are not responsible for road hazard. I asked how possible is it that a pebble less than the size of a pin hole could have gotten under the windshield wiper. I stated that it was a manufacturer’s defect in that they did not clean the car for some loose piece of metal of something that happened in the production of the car. I finally gave up and made a claim with my insurance company because it gotten very large and was affecting my vision when driving.


Middleboro of Middleboro , MA on March 26, 2013
On April 23, 2012 I purchased a brand new 2012 Toyota Prius, expecting many years of uneventful and fuel-efficient driving and enjoyed the vehicle for less than one month. Route 44 Toyota refused to repair my car. It had no brakes! How can I drive a vehicle with no brakes? May 8th: At 600 miles, the vehicle transitioned from battery to gas engine with significant impact. Dealer reports, "No computer error message." May 15th: 841 miles and there were no brakes! Again, "No computer error message." May 17th: ~861 miles and the brakes failed repeatedly. It was demonstrated to a Route 44 Toyota technician. Again, "No computer error message."
May 18th: "No computer error message." A "Petition for Defect Investigation" has been filed with NHTSA. There are 7 accidents among the 70 complaints about Prius brakes filed. Will this be the next Toyota failure that causes deaths like the sudden acceleration Toyota ignored?
Illegal business practices: On April 23, 2012 I fully paid for the brand new 2012 Prius and Route 44 Toyota ran my credit report without authorization, even though I never applied for credit. This violates FCRA - Fair Credit Reporting Act. On October 11, 2012 Route 44 Toyota discovered my vehicle on their property with no brakes and requested my credit reports without authorization, as well as those of a disinterested third party. When I posted those facts on the internet, Route 44 Toyota threatened a SLAPP suit (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) intended to intimidate and bully.


Eric of Spring, TX on March 6, 2013
My battery on my 2007 Prius (134k miles) just died and it would cost $3,000 to replace. The dealer was shocked and said it was one of the few times he has seen this happen. Is that true or is this a more regular occurrence? I bought a second Prius (94k) but now feel like a fool if I can expect this to happen on this car as well. I spoke to Toyota and they said they stand behind the battery warranty. The frustrating thing is that in other states, the warranty is 150k.

Debra of North Chili, NY on Feb. 16, 2013
I have had my Toyota Prius 2009 for 3 years now and have loved the gas mileage. The dealership said they needed to do a 100,000 mile tune up on it. This would cost 300 dollars. Well, I chose not to for several months because the car was running perfectly. I was getting 47 mpg. Every time I went in for an oil change, they said they have to do the tune up. I finally gave in and let them do it. I drive 63 miles one way to work and I want the car well maintained for safety. Well, after doing the tune up, my Prius now gets 38 - 39 mpg. I can't even reach 40 anymore. I thought this so-called tune up was supposed to make the car run better, not worse. I knew I should have gone with my instinct and not had that tune up done. I am a no onager happy person when it comes to the car I have just loved for 3 years.

Charles of Washington, WA on Jan. 11, 2013
Shortly after the standard warranty disappeared on our 2010 Prius IV, it decided to not let us have full functionality via the navigation "feature". Toyota said, "Sorry, it’s not covered by warranty.” But for $2,600 (plus 9.8% tax), ten percent of the cost of the new car, they said that they would replace the module. They would not guarantee that the module would be new OEM, rather it could be recycled. It’s been hard to go over 45 mpg no matter how gingerly I drive the car. It looks like 42 mpg is the current reading. The Ford Fusion will be in our future for our family's next new car.

Debi of Brandon, SD on Jan. 8, 2013
Both front parking lights were in need of replacement. The left bulb was replaced for $1.56. However, in order to replace the right front parking light bulb, the entire front bumper needed to come off - for a total of $135. I opted to not replace the bulb at this time. I think this is just a ridiculous design flaw by Toyota. And consumers shouldn't have to pay such a horrible fee for a simple light bulb replacement just because some person in the design department couldn't figure a better option - like just taking off the lamp cover?! How hard would that be? I think Toyota should change the bulb for the same $1.56 cost as the left parking bulb and just eat the cost of taking off the bumper! I am thinking twice about buying another Prius.