Timeline: Toyota's recall woes | Business | The Guardian Toyota Timeline: Toyota's recall woes Japanese carmaker suffers year of headaches as millions of vehicles recalled around the world due to accelerator pedal, brake, seatbelt and exhaust problems Close January 2009: Toyota says it will recall 1.3m vehicles worldwide because of seatbelt and exhaust system problems. May 2009: Toyota reports the worst results in its history as it struggles with the global economic crisis. August 2009: Toyota recalls almost 690,000 cars made in China because of faulty window switches – its biggest recall in the country. September 2009: Toyota announces the biggest recall in its history over fears involving almost 4m vehicles in the US that accelerator pedals could become trapped in floormats and "may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death". 21 January 2010: Toyota says it will recall around 2.3m vehicles in the US to fix potentially faulty accelerator pedals. The action comes on top of the ongoing recall of some 4.2m vehicles over "pedal entrapment" risks.

26 January 2010: Toyota says it is suspending US sales and halting North American production of eight models involved in accelerator pedal recall, including the country's best-selling Camry. 28 January 2010: Toyota says it will widen the net to include Europe – potentially involving Britain – and China in its recall scheme. US congressional investigators launch probe into accelerator problems. US Congressional investigators request information from Toyota and US safety regulators on the recall ahead of a hearing on 25 February. 29 January 2010: Toyota says recalls in Europe could reach 1.8m vehicles and affects eight models including Yaris and Auris. 1 February 2010: It emerges that Toyota drivers will have to wait at least three weeks before finding out if they own one of the estimated quarter of a million cars in the UK suspected of having "sticking" accelerator pedals. 2 February 2010: Toyota's executive in charge of quality control, Shinichi Sasaki, says the "unprecedented" operation is likely to have a bigger effect on sales than previous recalls and had already hit sales in January.

3 February 2010: Toyota owners in the UK and US are advised by lawyers to stop driving their cars immediately amid growing concern over the potentially lethal accelerator fault. A new defect is reported in Toyota's Prius hybrid model that could result in yet another recall. US authorities say they are investigating 100 complaints, with Prius owners reporting momentary loss of braking ability at low speeds on bumpy roads. Toyota in the UK says it has sent details of the 180,865 affected UK vehicles to the DVLA and is working with the DVLA to identify and contact owners "as quickly as possible". It tells affected drivers that a 30-minute repair will be carried out at Toyota-approved service centres. 4 February 2010: Toyota admits it will suffer $2bn (£1.26bn) in extra costs as a result of the global safety recall affecting millions of cars. The Japanese government urges Toyota to look into 77 reported cases of braking problems among new Prius models sold in Japan .

5 February 2010: It emerges Toyota treated the accelerator fault as a quality issue rather than a safety issue when it first became aware of the problem in the winter of 2008/09. It failed to inform the UK's Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (Vosa) , which registers recalls on cars, about the fault until 22 January 2010, after the government demanded information. Toyota's president, Akio Toyoda, finally emerges to apologise for the sticky accelerator problem . "We are in the midst of a big crisis and face big challenges ahead," Toyoda says. 9 February 2010: Toyota confirms a global recall of all third-generation Prius cars manufactured before 27 January 2010. It affects 8,500 cars in the UK, where the latest Prius model went on sale last August. "This recall will consist of a software upgrade in the anti-lock braking system. In the meantime, the cars are safe to drive. At no time are drivers without brakes," Toyota GB insists . 17 February: Toyota announces it will install a brake-override system in all future models worldwide .

It is considering a recall of the Corolla because of possible power-steering problems. The US government demands that Toyota hand over documents to show whether it acted promptly with the safety issues in its cars. 19 February: Akio Toyoda bows to US pressure and agrees to appear before a congressional hearing into the crisis. The company also confirms it will confirmed it would suspend production at its plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, for two weeks. 22 February: Leaked emails show that Toyota staff boasted about how they had saved the company $100m by persuading American regulators that they did not need to implement a full recall over problems with its floor mats. 23 February: Toyota faces the prospect of criminal charges after a US grand jury issues a subpoena , demanding more evidence relating to the recalls. And a man jailed after crashing his Toyota, killing three people, demands a retrial - and relatives of the victims say they support him.

Manufacturer to announce how many cars will be recalled because of problem with accelerator pedal Published: 1 Feb 2010 Japanese carmaker's reputation in danger after admitting it investigated reports of brake faults Published: 4 Feb 2010 Akio Toyoda tells US Congress committee his company will make a 'double commitment' to safety and its customers Published: 24 Feb 2010 Glimmer of good news at the end of a disastrous week for world's biggest carmaker as it raises annual forecast from a loss to a £550m profit Published: 4 Feb 2010 Toyota to Pay $1.2B for Hiding Deadly ‘Unintended Acceleration’ - ABC News ABC News Toyota to Pay $1.2B for Hiding Deadly ‘Unintended Acceleration’ By Brian Ross Star Tomohiro Ohsumi/Bloomberg/Getty Images Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles sit parked ahead of shipment outside the Central Motor Corp. plant in Ohira, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, March 7, 2014.

0 Shares Email Car manufacturer Toyota has agreed to pay a staggering $1.2 billion to avoid prosecution for covering up severe safety problems with “unintended acceleration,” according to court documents, and continuing to make cars with parts the FBI said Toyota “knew were deadly.” A deferred prosecution agreement, filed today, forced Toyota to “admit” that it “misled U.S. consumers by concealing and making deceptive statements about two safety related issues affecting its vehicles, each of which caused a type of unintended acceleration.” Toyota “put sales over safety and profit over principle,” according to FBI Assistant Director George Venizelos. “The disregard Toyota had for the safety of the public is outrageous,” Venizelos said. “Not only did Toyota fail to recall cars with problem parts, they continued to manufacture new cars with the same parts they already knew were deadly. When media reports arose of Toyota hiding defects, they emphatically denied what they knew was true, assuring consumers that their cars were safe and reliable… More than speeding cars or a major fine, the ultimate tragedy has been the unwitting consumers who died behind the wheel of Toyota vehicles.” ABC News first reported the potential dangers of unintended acceleration in an investigation broadcast in November 2009 .

The report said hundreds of Toyota customers were in “rebellion” after a series of accidents were apparently caused by the unintended acceleration. Two months before, Highway Patrolman Mark Saylor and three members of his family had been killed after the accelerator in his Lexus had become stuck on an incompatible floor mat. Saylor was able to call 911 while his car was speeding over 100 miles per hour and explain his harrowing ordeal right up until the crash that ended his life. EXCLUSIVE INVESTIGATION: Runaway Toyotas At the time of the first ABC News report, Toyota attempted to assure its drivers that the incidents of sudden acceleration without warning were solely caused by floor mats becoming stuck on the gas pedals or driver error. But already other customers were complaining of similar problems with sudden acceleration, but some had nothing to do with the floor mats and they maintained they weren’t to blame either. ABC News published dozens of reports in the following months as Toyota said it investigated and announced massive recalls to address the accelerators being stuck under floor mats – repeatedly assuring drivers that the problem had been taken care of.

But today Toyota admitted that the recalls did not cover all the cars they knew were in danger and said that they also concealed another cause of sudden acceleration they had found during their investigations – “sticky” pedals, which refers to the accelerator getting stuck partially depressed. In December 2009, the court records showed the company responded to “media accusations that it was continuing to hide defects in its vehicles” by publishing a statement on Toyota’s website saying the company “has absolutely not minimized public awareness of any defect or issue with respect to its vehicles [and] [a]ny suggestion to the contrary is wrong and borders on irresponsibility.” Toyota only announced the issue with the “sticky” pedals, along with another massive recall, just minutes before an ABC News report on “World News” in January 2010 told the story of one driver whose Toyota Avalon took off suddenly on the highway. The driver, Kevin Haggerty, credited ABC News with saving his life because he had seen a previous report that described what to do in the event of sudden acceleration.

By shifting back into neutral, and back into drive when necessary, Haggerty was able to prod his broken vehicle to the dealership, where he said employees there saw that his problem with unintended acceleration firsthand had nothing to do with his floor mat. However, Haggerty maintained that his sudden acceleration problem was not caused by a sticky pedal either. Regardless, today court documents showed Toyota knew about the sticky pedal problem in other Toyota models months before the recall and decided not to disclose it to regulators or the public. For other drivers, it was already too late. In addition to deaths like the Saylors linked to unintended acceleration, a Minnesota man was serving an eight-year prison sentence for vehicular manslaughter when evidence emerged suggesting he could have been a victim of Toyota’s acceleration problem. After serving two years in prison, Koua Fong Lee was released and charges against him were dropped in 2010. Earlier that year, an unidentified Toyota employee appeared to realize the dangerous game the company was playing. “Idiots! Someone will go to jail if lies are repeatedly told. I cannot support this,” the unidentified employee said after a meeting between Toyota and regulators in January 2010, according to court documents.

Instead of jail, the company is now on the hook for the massive $1.2 billion fine, which U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said was the largest penalty of its kind for an auto manufacturer. The money is due by March 25. “Toyota confronted this public safety emergency as if it was a public relations problem,” Holder said. A senior Justice official added that Toyota made "blatant misrepresentations" in what he called a classic case of corporate culture that favored the seemingly easy way out instead of paying the cost and doing the right thing. "The cover up is always going to be worse than the original sin," the official said. In a statement posted on its website , Toyota said that at the time of the recalls the company “took full responsibility for any concerns our actions may have caused customers, and we rededicated ourselves to earning their trust.” “In the more than four years since these recalls, we have gone back to basics at Toyota to put our customers first,” said Christopher Reynolds, chief legal officer of Toyota Motor North America.

“We have made fundamental changes across our global operations to become a more responsive company – listening better to our customers’ needs and proactively taking action to serve them.” “Entering this agreement, while difficult, is a major step toward putting this unfortunate chapter behind us. We remain extremely grateful to our customers who have continued to stand by Toyota. Moving forward, they can be confident that we continue to take our responsibilities to them seriously,” Reynolds said. ABC News' Lee Ferran contributed to this report. 0 Shares Quality on the Line: The Fallout from Toyota's Recall - Knowledge@Wharton Quote More than any other auto manufacturer, Japan’s Toyota has built its name on quality. Now, the identity of the world’s largest car maker is in question as it recalls millions of vehicles because they may suddenly accelerate, putting the lives of drivers and their passengers at risk. The recall, which affects more than nine million vehicles worldwide, poses operational, marketing, ethical, legal, political and strategic challenges to the firm at a time when the entire industry is struggling, according to Wharton faculty and auto experts. “It’s a huge threat to their reputation,” says Wharton management professor John Paul MacDuffie , co-director of the International Motor Vehicle Program .

Toyota’s insistence on quality is exemplified by its policy allowing individual workers to shut down an assembly line — at enormous cost — if they notice a quality defect, he notes. “Now, Toyota is having to stop the line at the corporate level in a big way.” The recall comes amid allegations that Toyota has had indications for years that some of its models were prone to rapid, unexpected acceleration. Initially, the company said the problem appeared to be related to gas pedals becoming trapped in floor mats, and it issued a first recall. However, following continued complaints — including reports of fatal accidents late last year — the company became the subject of increasing pressure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and ordered a second recall this month. On February 1, Toyota announced it has found a way to fix the accelerator problem and is ordering new parts for dealers to repair recalled cars. During a meeting with reporters on February 3, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood urged owners of recalled vehicles not to drive them until they are repaired. (He later modified his statement to say that he encouraged drivers “to contact their local dealer and get their vehicles fixed as soon as possible.”) He also said he plans to speak directly to Toyota’s chief executive, Akio Toyoda.

“We’re going to keep the pressure on,” he said. Wharton management professor Larry Hrebiniak says Toyota has not been aggressive enough in coming forward to calm consumers’ fears. “This is a very serious issue, and they know it is going to hurt them and their quality image so they are trying to downplay it.” When a business makes a mistake, he notes, it is best to be upfront because delays and uncertainty only make matters worse in the long run. He cites the famous case of Johnson & Johnson, which acted swiftly to remove all Tylenol products from store shelves following the deadly 1982 tampering case. The company’s strong response restored goodwill toward Johnson & Johnson and helped it retain market share. In the case of Tylenol, he adds, the company had no time to plan a strategy to meet the problem. “What bothers me most is that Toyota had clues there were quality problems — not only general quality problems, but that there was an accelerator problem,” he says, adding that the company should have been able to take that information early on and develop a proactive approach, rather than reacting to regulators and bad press, according to Hrebiniak.

Cost-cutting Operations Toyota is famous for its cooperative relationships with suppliers that not only take into account cost, but also encourage both sides to work together to innovate and create better vehicles. The supplier of the gas pedals that are the focus of the recall, CTS Corp. of Elkhart, Indiana, insists its parts, which were manufactured in Canada, were made to Toyota’s design specifications. MacDuffie notes that in recent years, as the company grew rapidly, it initiated a program to reduce costs by working with suppliers, called Construction of Cost Competitiveness in the 21st Century, or CCC21. He also points out that Toyota — and all leading manufacturers — have increasingly moved toward using more virtual or digital prototypes, rather than physical ones, to speed development time. The combination of a shortened product development cycle, cost cutting initiatives focused on component design, and digital as opposed to physical testing could have been factors in the acceleration problem. According to MacDuffie, Toyota acknowledged nearly three years ago that it may have “pushed the edges” too fast in product development. It has since slowed its product development time frame and reintroduced more physical prototyping into its process.

These changes may not have come soon enough to forestall the current problem. Takahiro Fujimoto, an IMVP-affiliated researcher and professor of economics at the University of Tokyo, says the company did grow quickly in recent years, while at the same time the complexity of auto manufacturing increased. “Toyota faced excessive or overwhelming complexity that even its strong capability could not handle adequately,” Fujimoto writes in an e-mail. “At the same time, simultaneous pressures came from volume over-extension, possible quality arrogance caused by its long track record of quality excellence, collapse of demand in the U.S. (particularly luxury sales due to the financial crisis), plus other mistakes and some bad luck — creating something like a chemical reaction.” Sponsored Content: Wharton management professor Michael Useem says the recall will not lead the company to alter its famed lean production system, because it “runs too deep in the Toyota culture and has been too successful and too effective.” Although Toyota is in the midst of a “public relations debacle,” it is likely to recover more quickly than other automakers in the same situation might, Useem predicts.

“I would anticipate Toyota is going to get through this with a weakened reputation — but since the company made great cars for a great price for 50 years, they are on a much better platform for restoring the luster of their reputation because the platform was so strong to begin with.” Increasing Complexity Matthias Holweg, director of the Center for Process Excellence and Innovation at the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge in England (and also an IMVP affiliate), analyzed recall records from Europe and the United States for the past 10 years and found that Toyota has performed above average. “I’m a bit surprised that people are jumping on this particular recall with such energy,” he says. Holweg notes that Audi faced a similar problem with its models in the 1980s. “The interesting thing about Audi is that it was never proven that the accelerator stuck to the floor, but the handling of the issue became a marketing disaster, and Audi was forever known for sudden acceleration. That’s why this Toyota case is so sensitive.” However, Holweg suggests massive recalls like the one currently underway at Toyota may become more common in the future as a result of two trends in manufacturing.

First, car manufacturers are increasingly using the same components and platforms across many different models in order to gain scale and cost advantages. If one part is bad, he says, the number of vehicles affected will be much larger than in the past. Fujimoto adds that parts commonality is the top cause of recalls in Japan, according to a government analysis. “Carryover parts are quality-proven as individual components,” he says, “but when they are used in a wide range of different vehicles, they may become causes of quality problems. It is a double-edged sword.” The increasing level of complexity in cars is a second major problem that could also contribute to large recalls in the future, Holweg notes. Automobiles used to be primarily mechanical devices, but now they are also ruled by numerous sophisticated electronics overlaid on top of traditional mechanics. “And it is not always such a happy marriage between electronics and mechanical systems.” As an aside, Holweg points out that safety and reliability may ultimately be improved with the development of an electric car, because the level of integration between mechanical and electronic systems would be reduced. As for the current controversy, Holweg says he has no idea whether electronics play any part in Toyota’s recalls.

However, lawyers for crash victims allege the company has an underlying problem with its electronic components and argue that Toyota’s plan to fix the gas pedals will not address this. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has gained attention with his own complaints that his 2010 Toyota Prius, which is not included in the recall, accelerates under certain conditions that indicate the problem is related to software, not a mechanical problem with the gas pedal. James Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., has insisted that the problem is not related to electronics. Susan Helper, an economics professor at Case Western Reserve University and an IMVP research affiliate, says it is possible that floor mats, sticky gas pedals and faulty electronics may all cause unintended acceleration. She notes that it is difficult to isolate, reproduce and test all the conditions that could affect the many parts and systems in today’s increasingly complex vehicles. “And perhaps that’s why Toyota was slow to pick up on these reports,” says Helper. “Maybe there was a little bit of arrogance, but some of it has to do with the newness of some of these systems.

We have not had 100 years to study electronics the way we have with mechanics.” There are a number of things we still don’t know, adds Helper. Toyota gets its accelerator pedals from two suppliers, Denso in Japan and CTS in North America. In both cases, the design specifications are set by Toyota. “It seems that the older, Denso pedal does not have these problems. How the two designs differ and why different designs were chosen is likely to shed light on the roots of the problem.” According to Helper, another question is why Toyota, unlike many other automakers, did not install “brake override” systems that allow a driver to stop a car with the footbrake even if the accelerator is depressed. Honda also has not installed this type of system. One argument for not adding a brake override system is that the driver maintains more ability to control the vehicle under certain conditions by being able to use the brake and accelerator simultaneously. However, Helper notes, Toyota has now announced it will switch to brake override in all future models. Needed: A Grand Gesture Aside from the mechanical and production issues, Toyota now faces major marketing challenges, according to Wharton faculty.

Lentz appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” on February 1 to explain the new fix for gas pedals, but the leadership in Japan has not been front-and-center in addressing concerns about the recall. In addition to its about-face on floor mats as the only source of the problem, the company was accused of insensitivity when it first announced it would ship replacement parts to assembly plants to restart halted production before making them available to dealers for existing customers. Toyota has now reversed that decision. Maurice Schweitzer , a Wharton professor of operations and information management, says Toyota needs to make a grand gesture to maintain its position in the market. He suggests the company should contact owners individually in order to get them into dealerships for repairs, and then compensate them in some way — perhaps by offering a rebate for another free service. Offering cash toward a new purchase would be viewed as too self-serving, and straight cash compensation would come across as “cold,” he notes. “They need to do something warmer, something that demonstrates caring. I think they can recover, but that window is closing. They will have to do something big and fast.” The recall is already having an impact on Toyota’s business results.

On February 2, the company reported a 16% decline in sales to a 10-year low of 98,796 vehicles. At the same time, General Motors’ sales rose 14% and Ford’s were up 25%. Meanwhile, General Motors has added fuel to the fire by offering $1,000 discounts and zero-percent loans for Toyota owners. MacDuffie says General Motors’ strategy is risky because, given the underlying industry trends mentioned above, it could well be forced to make its own major recalls. “No auto company is immune to a recall problem like this one.” Volkswagen AG, Europe’s biggest carmaker, has said specifically that it will not target Toyota owners with discounts. Honda and Hyundai, Toyota’s traditional rivals which compete largely on quality, are more likely to benefit, says MacDuffie. “The other beneficiary is Ford. [Its models] are getting positive quality ratings across their product line in Consumer Reports. It is the comeback kid, and it now has the quality advantage — at least for the moment.” Lacking PR Muscle As Toyota continues to grapple with the manufacturing and marketing issues accompanying the recall, it is also facing legal and political problems.

In addition to lawsuits filed by individuals who claim they were harmed by Toyota products, the company also faces several class-action suits related to sudden unanticipated acceleration. Meanwhile, Congressional committees are gearing up to launch their own hearings on the problem. Henry Waxman, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Bart Stupak, a subcommittee chair, have asked Toyota to provide documents showing that the computer systems on its cars did not cause the acceleration problem. According to Schweitzer, Toyota must appear contrite during the hearings to avoid creating more bad feelings among consumers. “If I were advising Toyota, I’d tell them this is an opportunity to regain trust, to demonstrate unparalleled commitment to its customers.” The company should show that it is “willing to do what it takes to make sure [its] customers are driving safe vehicles,” he notes. “If they miss this opportunity, it will be very costly. The politicians will be trying to score political points by raking some [Toyota officials] over the coals and painting them as profit-hungry executives. It’s going to be a tough crowd.” MacDuffie says the current crisis suggests that Toyota’s public relations expertise does not match its overall strengths as a manufacturer.

Despite some slippage in its quality performance, Toyota continues to win more top quality rankings than any other automaker, and its past performance on recalls is also strong, he notes. The greatest damage to Toyota’s public reputation would be if, beyond this recall, the company reveals more problems associated with acceleration. “The other real possibility is that Toyota will take this opportunity to display its famed ability to focus intensively on a revealed problem, to get to its root cause, and to solve it permanently,” he adds. “This would reinforce its image as a company that is capable of continuous learning in order to meet customer needs. For the sake of this company that has taught the world so much about better ways to make things, I hope it is the latter.” Citing Knowledge@Wharton How Toyota recall affects owners, and what's next for the automaker How Toyota recall affects owners, and what's next for the automaker TOOLBOX Auto Content Specialist for Consumer Reports Thursday, January 28, 2010; 2:30 PM How will the Toyota recall affect owners, when will the automaker begin production again and what do car shoppers need to know? Mike Quincy of Consumer Reports takes your questions.

Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion. ____________________ Mike Quincy: Hi. It's Mike Quincy from Consumer Reports here to answer all your car-related questions...let's get started! _______________________ Silver Spring, MD: Are there any concerns yet that Toyota models from other years may be affected as well? I have a 2006 Camry. Mike Quincy: the initial recall is for the 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2009-2010 RAV4, 2008-2010 Sequoia, and 2007-2010 Tundra. In all, 2.3 million vehicles are listed to address potential problems related to sticking accelerator pedals. _______________________ Fairfax Va.: I was hoping to buy a RAV-4 because I wanted the fold- down third row seats but did not want to buy a minivan.

Should I wait for Toyota to get its house in order (and then get a RAV 4) or are there other non-minivans that offer a third-row, fold-down seat? Mom in Fairfax Mike Quincy: We still think the RAV4 is a good small SUV, but you have to wait to buy one -- Toyota has halted the sales. We think that as soon as the fix is done, the RAV4 will be a good choice. _______________________ Bridgeport, Conn.: My 09 Rav4 is among the vehicle that's been recalled. I would like to change the vehicle for a model that's not being recalled. Is that a good idea? Mike Quincy: There are several good small SUVs out there -- the Subaru Forester is also an excellent choice as well as the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rouge _______________________ Hershey, PA: Can you describe the fault in the accelerator pedal?

(No one has yet done this, except to say that it sticks, which is not helpful.) Mike Quincy: According to a release from the supplier, CTS said, "The products we supply to Toyota, including the pedals covered by the recent recall, have been manufactured to Toyota's design specifications." That's all we know right now. _______________________ DC: What's the best advice for those that own a Toyota impacted by the recall? Mike Quincy: You have to keep in mind that the chances of most Toyota owners experiencing "unintended acceleration" are very slight. And EVERY manufacturer has recalls. In general, keep driving the car and pay attention to whether or not the gas pedal is slow to return to the "up" position. You'll get a feel if the pedal becomes sticky. But if you have a problem with the engine racing, simply shift into neutral, steer to the side of the road and shut the car off. _______________________ Alex., VA: Regarding a stuck accelerator... if that were to happen to me, the right move would be to put the car in Neutral, and apply the brakes and steer to the side of the road and then turn off the ignition. In the famous case in Calif.

where an off-duty CHP and his family were killed by a stuck accelerator, wouldn't that procedure have worked? Or am I missing something? I've shifted to neutral in a moving vehicle, but never while revving the accelerator. Is this issue more than just carpet position? Mike Quincy: Yes, the people in California probably would have lived if the driver put the car into neutral. Another piece of advice: don't pump the brakes -- you lose compression. And don't turn off the engine when the car is in "Drive" -- you'll lose your power steering. _______________________ Durham, NC: I'm thinking about buying a Toyota Tacoma not involved in the recall. Should I hold off to play it safe? Lee Mike Quincy: Right now, the Tacoma is not part of the recall...and the Toyota dealer would likely be VERY happy to see you. Perhaps you could get a good deal. _______________________ Atkins, Iowa: I have a '08 Tundra and am afraid to drive it. What are the odds that Toyota will "buy back" this potentially fatal vehicle from me and cancel my loan if I complain?? Mike Quincy: Right now there are no plans to "buy back" cars. The recall and fix should cure any problem.

But, still, these examples of unintended acceleration are very rare, so I wouldn't panic. _______________________ Fairfax VA: Has Toyota given any indication of how long it thinks it will suspend sales of the troubled car models? Mike Quincy: We don't know exactly, but we think it might be until later in February. Toyota wants to fix this ASAP -- it's losing tons of money every day. _______________________ Washington, DC: My parents, 82 and 79 years old, drive a new leased 2010 Avalon. Should I urge them to try to get the car exchanged under the lease? Is there another Toyota that the dealer can/should lease them? Thanks. Mike Quincy: You'd have to read the fine print on the lease. I don't think recalls are just cause for getting out of a lease. Have a Toyota mechanic look at the car; he/she could probably give your parents an idea of how the car is doing. _______________________ Ruckersville, Va: Our 2010 Corolla has a gas pedal that seems sticky. We've heard nothing as owners regarding a recall--only via the media. When and how can it be fixed?

Mike Quincy: Regarding when things will be fixed, Toyota says "We're making every effort to remedy this situation for our customers as quickly as possible." You will get a notice in the mail, but you have to realize that there are millions of cars involved and this will probably take some time. _______________________ Washington, DC: I would like (in an empty parking lot, not on a busy street!) to practice shifting the car into Neutral while it is moving, so that if I ever HAVE to do it I will be somewhat experienced in doing it. Will doing this hurt the car? (Obviously with a stuck accelerator I don't care if it hurts the car, but will practicing hurt the car?) Mike Quincy: This is a great practice! Especially for parents with young drivers, go to a place where you can get into the habit of putting your car into neutral quickly. _______________________ Rockville, MD: I have a friend who owns a Camry which is one year older then the recall covers. His wife got in a serious accident because the car started accelerating and she could not stop the car. What should they do? Mike Quincy: They should probably take the car to the dealer to get it inspected.

But I'm not a lawyer and can't give legal advice. Plus, it's impossible for me (or you) to know exactly what happened. Was it the gas pedal? Or floormat? Or was it driver error -- people have been known to hit the wrong pedal. Tough to tell from this angle. _______________________ Vibe Owner: Mr. Quincy, Do owners of the Pontiac Vibe, which is essentially a Matrix, need to be concerned? Ours is a 2004. Thanks! Mike Quincy: Only the 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe is covered in the recall. _______________________ Alex., Va.: The reason that I noted the off duty CHP - was - shouldn't he know how to slow down a car with a stuck accelerator? Hard to believe that a police officer, trained in driving, choked under pressure on how to stop a car.... Which makes me ask the question - is this more than the jammed rug/floor mat as Toyota initially stated? Mike Quincy: Hard to tell because we weren't there. But, in any case, putting the car in neutral would have given them a better chance to survive.

_______________________ Anonymous: In an earlier response, you said, "Don't pump the brakes - you'll lose compression." Do you mean engine compression? That doesn't make sense to me. Could you explain further? Mike Quincy: You lose brake presure. _______________________ Falls Church, VA: Do you think the Prius will be added to the recall? Mike Quincy: So far, the Prius is not part of the recall. _______________________ Turn it off?: I read that you should NOT turn the car off if you experience unintended acceleration: "The engine may keep revving loudly while you try to stop, but don't turn it off if you can avoid it. Turning off the engine means you lose power-assisted steering and brakes, and if you turn the key too far, you could lock the steering wheel. " Mike Quincy: Correct: Do NOT turn the car off -- put it in neutral and steer to safety. _______________________ Rockville, MD: I have two questions. First, the articles all say that select models of the Camry, including the hybrids, are NOT affected by the recall. How do we find out what those other models are? Also, I lease my car and have 2 years left.

Is there anything in a lease agreement that covers a situation such as this and would allow you to turn the car in early without having to pay off the remainder of the lease? Mike Quincy: Not all Camrys are in the recall. Dealers will likely have VINs or build dates of models that are covered. Not sure about the lease -- you'd have to look at the fine print. But keep in mind that the recall, once the fix is made, will likely make the car perfectly fine to drive. _______________________ Floor mat or pedal?: So is it a floor mat problem? Or an accelerator problem? Mike Quincy: There have been recalls for both. Las fall, Toyota announced that it is asking 3.8 million owners of seven Lexus and Toyota models to remove factory driver-side floor mats to prevent potential throttle "entrapment" that can equate to uncontrolled acceleration. _______________________ Orlando FL: I have a Corolla XRS 2009, with 8,000 miles. Is it one of the recalls, and what should I do?? Mike Quincy: Continue to drive the car and monitor how the gas pedal feels.

If the pedal seems slow to return to its default position, it might be the start of the pedal sticking a bit. This is a GRADUAL process, though. It is highly unlikely your car will suddenly seems possessed. _______________________ Fairfax, Va.: I don't fully understand what the problem is with the pedals. Is it a mechanical linkage issue, or is it a computer drive-by-wire issue? Doesn't it make more sense to have uncomplex, simple mechanical systems for critical controls such as accelerator, brakes and steering rather than electronic controls and solenoids that fail rather unpredictably? Mike Quincy: We're not sure yet whether this is a software or hardware issue. Stay tuned...we'll likely find out soon. _______________________ Alexandria, VA: Can an owner do a visual inspection of the gas pedal and tell if it might be susceptible to the problem? Are there any visible signs of wear that one can detect easily? Mike Quincy: I think this is something a Toyota mechanic can tell. I'm sure all the Toyota service people will get used to looking for this VERY quickly. _______________________ Fairfax, Va.: Are hybrids included? Mike Quincy: Toyota says no Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions.

Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale. _______________________ Reston, VA: During the initial "recall", Toyota included Lexus models in the list of cars that could potentially exhibit the stuck accelerator problem. Back then they attributed all of their accelerator issues to a problem with the driver's side floor mat. Why wasn't Lexus included in this latest announcement? Mike Quincy: Toyota doesn't say why Lexus models weren't included. _______________________ Pensacola, Fla.: What model years are being recalled? I have a 2006 Corolla.

Mike Quincy: Accoording to Toyota, these are the models in the recall: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2010 Highlander except hybrid models, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia _______________________ Briarcliff Manor, NY: We had narrowed down our new car purchase - due to the arrival of a 4th child in April - to the 2010 Sequoia, 2010 Highlander Hybrid and the 2011 Sienna. We do not need to purchase for a couple of months, but will Toyota have recovered by then to be a reliable purchase or should we start considering other options (must be an AWD that can seat 6 comfortably and allow passthrough between 3rd and 2nd rows due to latched in baby seats). Mike Quincy: We think Toyota will "recover" from this. Consumer Reports data still shows that most Toyotas are reliable. The Highlander Hybrid is not in the recall and is one of the best 3-row SUVs.

_______________________ Reston, Va.: What do you do if you have a recalled vehicle which is under lease from Toyota Leasing? If you do not feel comfortable about driving this car (Corolla 2009) is there any recourse in getting out of the remaining months of the lease without any penalties? Mike Quincy: Not sure about all the lease legalize -- you'd have to look at your contract. Keep in mind that this is not a catastrophe. There are very small numbers of cars that experience unintended acceleration. _______________________ Moorestown NJ: I have a 2009 Camry Hybrid, which is not incl. in the recall. But, the VIN does NOT begin with JT. So is it included or not? And, if it is, should I seek lemon law remedy or inclusion in the class action suit? Thanks. Mike Quincy: Best thing to do is bring your car to the dealer so they can look up your VIN. _______________________ European Toyotas?: I have a friend in Portugal's Azores Islands who is such of fan of Toyotas that his family owns TWO of them! Auto fuel is extremely expensive there, so he owns smaller models.

Should I forward this chat to him, or the ones he owns not affected by the recall? Mike Quincy: Consumer Reports just published a blog on this, and noted that Toyota has just added two million more vehicles in China and Europe to the latter recall. washingtonpost.com: Did stuck accelerator cause crash that killed CHP officer, family? (Fox 5 San Diego) _______________________ Silver Spring: The weirdest thing about the CHP driver accident is that they had time to call 911 apparently, but panicked too much to either slam on the brakes as soon as the car demonstrated the symptom or put the car in neutral. Mike Quincy: I think it's not ususual to lose sense of what you should do when you're feeling panicky. That's why it's a good idea to practice putting your car in neutral so you get used to doing it quickly. _______________________ White Plains NY: Mike, why isn't the Lexus RX, which is built in Canada part of this, as a matter of fact, why are none of the Lexus cars part of this when so many Toyota's are?

Lexus only has the carpet recall, but not the sticking accelerator, I would think all cars made by Toyota/Lexus in North America have the same accelerator pedal Mike Quincy: Not all Lexus models are built in the same factories -- and use the same suppliers -- as Toyotas. For now, we have to wait and see IF Toyota includes any Lexus models. Currently, there are none. _______________________ Ellicott City, MD: Will the recall affect the re-sale value after the "fix" is made? (I have a RAV-4) Mike Quincy: If you have the recall fix performed, there are no reasons for the car to go down in value. But perception is a strong thing, and it's hard to tell what the long-term affect this recall will have on the values of Toyotas. _______________________ Alexandria, VA: Will Consumer Reports downgrade the reliability of the recalled cars and stop recommending them? Mike Quincy: When the Consumer Reports National Research Center conducts its survey, we ask subscribers to note any problems with their cars that occurred in the past 12 months. They are asked to identify problems that they considered serious (because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime).

We ask them to include problems covered by warranty, but not the ones resulting from accident damage or recall. _______________________ Boston: How desperate will Toyota dealers be to sell me a new RAV4 when this is over, say, in April? Would asking for a $2000 discount be feasible? Mike Quincy: I think Toyota dealers will be very happy to get customers on the floor as soon as possible... _______________________ Raleigh, NC: How does the recall affect resale value? Our family wants to buy a minivan and we were wanting to use our 2006 Camry (not part of the recall) as part of a trade in. But I'm worried this will depress prices for ALL Toyota autos, not just the recalled ones. Mike Quincy: Keep in mind that Consumer Reports reliability data shows that Toyotas score very high. Recalls, in general, are not a bad thing. The problem is paid for by the company, it's usually fixed right the first time, and the vehicles don't suffer long-term drivability. And EVERY car company has them. That doesn't give Toyota a free pass with all that's happened lately, but all of this recall news needs to be kept in perspective.

_______________________ Reston VA: I have a 2008 Camry - they say "some" models. Do you have any more detail on how to tell whether my Camry is part of the recall or not? Mike Quincy: Bring your car to the dealer and have them check your car's VIN and build date. _______________________ Arlington, VA: My car (2007 Yaris) is not on your recall list. Do I still need to be concerned about floor mat issues? Mike Quincy: I would not be concerned if your car is not on the list. But keep an eye on the floormats -- especially if they are from an aftermarket company. Any floormat can come dislodged and wedge itself under the pedals. _______________________ Cameron, NC: The reports keep referring to a stuck pedal, don't they mean pedal mechanism? Does the throttle stick after being pressed to the floor or is it drawn into the fully open position while driving without any further assistance? What about Lexus being recalled? Mike Quincy: There isn't enough data to show exactly what happens every time.

Toyota says "when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position." Bottom line: get a feel for how the pedal returns to it's normal position. _______________________ Raleigh, NC: I have a 2008 Highlander. I saw the 08 Highlanders were added to the recall list, but it's not clear why. Does the 08 Highlander have the same problem with the accelerator? Or is it something different? Thanks! Mike Quincy: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, amending Toyota's Defect Information Report of October 5, 2009, points out the potential risk for floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals for these models: 2009-2010 Corolla 2009-2010 Venza 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe This recall expands on the fall recall of 3.8 million cars to modify gas pedals, carpets, and software and supplements the recent sticking accelerator recall. _______________________ Kansas City: I had a 91 Ford E250.

The throttle stuck on it one time. It was an automatic but I was able to put it in neutral and coast to the side of the road and turn it off. When I restarted it, the engine still ran at a high RPM. I was able to spray some WD 40 on the linkage and it loosened up. Is the problem with the Toyota's a linkage problem or is it in the computer system? Mike Quincy: You did great, but I would not advise anyone with a stuck pedal to NOT drive it again without the car being checked out by a mechanic. Your truck, a 1991 model, doesn't have the computer controls found in modern cars. But it's hard to tell whether or not this recall is more about software or hardware.

_______________________ White Plains NY: Mike, not in your list, but reported today by the AP, several other Toytotas and a Pontiac has been added to the list: 2009-2010 Venza 2008-2010 Highlander (was 2010 in your list) 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe (same mechanicals as matrix) Just wanted to make sure you knew, and other readers know of the expanding list, here is the link: Toyota extends recall to China, Europe Mike Quincy: Got it. Consumer Reports also published the latest list on our blog: _______________________ Mike Quincy: Well, folks, it's 3:30 and time for me to sign off. Thanks for all your great questions. Take a look at our Autos blog for all the latest on Toyota as well as other hot topics in the world of cars. Has Toyota's Image Recovered From The Brand's Recall Crisis? Has Toyota's Image Recovered From The Brand's Recall Crisis? {{article.article.images.featured.caption}} Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Full Bio The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.

Loading ... Loading ... This story appears in the {{article.article.magazine.pretty_date}} issue of {{article.article.magazine.pubName}}. Subscribe “I Love What You Do For Me, Toyota!”—the once popular motto of a brand that stood for quality, reliability and positive customer experience—has morphed to “Moving Forward!”. Ever since Toyota’s largest-ever recall of vehicles in the United States in 2009-2010, the company has been trying to recover its brand equity and rebuild consumer trust. It’s a formidable task for one of the world’s largest automakers. Is it working? Based on consumer attitudes toward the Toyota brand derived from GfK MRI’s Starch Advertising Research Brand Disposition, Toyota has many miles to travel before it can regain its pre-recall popularity. Prior to Toyota’s historic recall in November 2009, Starch found that over three-quarters (83%) of U.S. adults surveyed were positive about the brand while fewer than 1 in 5 (17%) were negative. These data clearly show the majority of consumers had tremendous confidence in the Toyota brand.

On November 2 of 2009, Toyota recalled 3.8 million vehicles because of floor mats that trapped accelerator pedals, followed by an additional 400,000-vehicle recall four weeks later. These recalls were triggered by a car collision in August 2009 that took the lives of four people. Subsequently, consumer attitudes toward Toyota began to change. Positive brand disposition fell five points to 78%. Negative brand disposition rose five points to 22%. But, Toyota’s recalls weren’t over yet. On January 21, 2010, after receiving customer complaints, Toyota recalled millions more vehicles (followed by another million or so three weeks later) for problems with accelerator pedals sticking in cars without floor mats. Then, from February through April 2010, Toyota recalled other car models for an array of problems, among them: Camrys for potential brake problems; Tacoma trucks for defective front propeller shafts; and Sienna minivans for corrosion of spare-tire carriers.

Following this second major recall in January 2010 and subsequent recalls through April 2010, Starch data showed that consumers’ positive feelings toward the Toyota brand dropped even farther—19 points to 59%. Consumers’ negative feelings rose 19 points to 41%. Since these painful recalls, Toyota’s new motto is “Moving Forward!”—an attempt to communicate to consumers the company’s desire to start afresh and look toward a better future. But are consumers buying it? Starch data show they are…but gradually. From May 2010-December 2011, consumers’ positive disposition toward Toyota recovered 11 points (to 70%) from the second and subsequent recalls. Those consumers negatively disposed fell 11 points to 30%. Good news indeed! But the percent of consumers who are positively disposed to the Toyota brand is still lower than pre-recall scores. Readers old enough to remember the unintended acceleration problems that plagued the Audi 5000 brand in the mid-1980’s would probably agree that brand crises aren’t necessarily permanent.

Audi subsequently renamed the 5000 model and was able to recover to its pre-crisis sales in the United States within about five years. Toyota’s challenge is bigger since its recalls were recurring and encompassed more than one model. In the absence of further problems, however, the company appears to be on track to regain its footing via a combination of quality craftsmanship and smart pricing. Toyota Recall and Lawsuits - FindLaw Toyota Recall and Lawsuits Download article as a PDF If you have a Toyota car or truck, model years 2005 through 2010, it may be covered by a massive recall and class action settlement related to its accelerator pedals. This article covers the Toyota recall, information about legal actions, and whether your automobile is affected. See FindLaw's Vehicle Recalls and Defects section for general information about this and other recalls, including Auto Recalls: The Basics and Your Right to Recall Remedies. Toyota Recall and Lawsuits: Background Toyota Motor Corp. admitted in 2010 that accelerator pedal defects affected several million Toyota, Scion, and Lexus cars and trucks, covering model years 2005 through 2010. The U.S.

government began investigating Toyota brake problems after the car maker announced that the 2010 Prius had a design defect. In addition to the brake problems, several Toyota drivers reported that accelerator pedals were getting stuck and causing dangerous acceleration. Affected cars and trucks were recalled and remedied free of charge. In late 2012, Toyota agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit for $1.1 billion. Monetary compensation and safety upgrades are available to roughly 16 million owners of Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles, based on the age of the model and age of vehicle. Class Action Lawsuit Against Toyota Lawsuits by Toyota owners allege that the Japanese automaker engaged in fraud, negligently manufactured cars, and defectively designed the Electronic Throttle Control System ('ETCS-i' or 'ETCS') of some models. Problems with the ETCS have been blamed for the incidents of unintended acceleration claimed by several Toyota drivers, who reached a class-action settlement with the car-maker. According to the Toyota Economic Loss Settlement Website , the deadline for filing a claim for this particular issue was July 29, 2013. Here a few of the lawsuits: Breach of warranty, negligence, and product liability lawsuit.

Heilbrunn, et al. v. Toyota Motor Corp. (class-action complaint) Federal class-action lawsuit accused Toyota of breach of express and implied warranties, fraud, unjust enrichment, and breach of good faith and fair dealing. Is Your Car Part of the Recall? Recalled car models include Toyota's RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, Camry, Highlander SUV, Prius, as well as Tundra and Sequoia trucks. Additionally, Lexus GS300, RX 330, and other Lexus models are included in the recall. Enter your unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the box provided at Toyota's safety recall look-up page to find out if your automobile is affected by this or any other Toyota recall. If your car is affected by this or any other recall, contact your local dealer to schedule an appointment. Have an Attorney Evaluate Your Toyota Claim for Free Despite the recall, many people have opted to file suit against Toyota. The decision whether to take on Toyota in court is an important one. If your lawsuit proves successful, you could be awarded medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. You will need an experienced attorney to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.

Not sure if you have a good case? You can have a law firm evaluate your legal claim for free . Next Steps Toyota pays $1.2 billion to escape prosecution for defect deaths and injuries - World Socialist Web Site World Socialist Web Site Published by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) Toyota pays $1.2 billion to escape prosecution for defect deaths and injuries By James Cogan 21 March 2014 The US Justice Department announced on Wednesday that Toyota will pay a $1.2 billion fine in exchange for a criminal fraud charge being “deferred” for three years and ultimately dropped. The settlement stems from a protracted cover-up by Toyota of safety problems arising from driver-side floor mats and accelerator systems installed in numerous models. US Attorney General Eric Holder told journalists: “Rather than promptly disclosing and correcting safety issues about which they were aware, Toyota made misleading public statements to consumers and gave inaccurate facts to members of Congress.” FBI assistant director George Venizelos declared: “Toyota put sales and profits over principle. The disregard Toyota had for the safety of the public was outrageous.

Not only did Toyota fail to recall cars with problem parts, they continued to manufacture new cars with the same parts they knew were deadly.” The fine is being touted as the largest ever levied on an auto maker, but it is less than 10 percent of Toyota’s 2013 worldwide profits. The Obama administration’s rhetoric aside, no-one will face any criminal charges for actions that have resulted in deaths, injuries and trauma for hundreds of people. Toyota North America’s chief legal officer, Christopher P. Reynolds, welcomed the settlement, calling it “a major step toward putting this unfortunate chapter behind us.” The issue only came to public prominence when Mark Saylor, a California Highway Patrol Officer, was killed with his family in a horrific crash in San Diego on August 29, 2009. A subsequent US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation concluded that the accelerator pedal in Saylor’s vehicle became entrapped with the floor mat. Those killed included Saylor’s wife Cleofe, 45; daughter Mahala, 13; and brother-in-law, Chris Lastrella, 35.

Saylor’s 911 emergency call minutes before his death was broadcast across the United States and around the world: “We’re in a Lexus… our accelerator is stuck... There’s no brakes… We’re approaching the intersection… Hold on and pray, pray, pray.” The NHTSA had opened investigations in 2007 into complaints about unintended accelerations by Lexus ES350s, a mid-size sedan, but did not pursue them. Toyota conducted its own investigation the same year and discovered that “potentially problematic … design features made gas pedal entrapment ‘likely’.” Toyota did not inform the NHTSA. Instead, it assured the regulator that no recalls were necessary. In Europe, Toyota moved to fix the problem, but took no such steps in the US. In September 2009, following the Saylor tragedy, Toyota finally issued a recall of the floor mats of 4.2 million vehicles of nine separate models manufactured between 2004 and 2010. The company advised people to remove the floor mats, implying that was the cause of the safety issue.

The top-selling Corolla model was not included in the recall, despite a Toyota engineer having concluded that it was among the most prone to the accelerator pedal becoming entrapped with the floor mat. On November 4, 2009, the NHTSA belatedly responded to the safety dangers. It labelled Toyota’s recall notice as “inaccurate and misleading.” The actual defect in the vehicles was not the floor mat, but the design of the accelerator pedal. The dangers were exacerbated by the absence of any obvious means for drivers under duress to override a stuck accelerator. There was no brake override system to cut engine power if both the accelerator and brake were depressed. The Los Angeles Times reported on November 8, 2009 that Toyota had ignored 1,200 complaints of unintended acceleration since 2001, relying on the NHTSA’s dismissal of reports that vehicles did not stop when the brakes were applied. A Toyota spokesman confirmed to the LA Times that the brakes were ineffective when a vehicle was accelerating at wide open throttle. It had to be put into neutral first. The only way to turn off the engine altogether was the little-known method of depressing the keyless ignition button for three seconds.

On November 29, 2009, the newspaper reported that there had been 19 deaths since 2002 related to unintended acceleration in Toyotas, compared with 11 deaths in vehicles produced by other manufacturers. On December 26, 2009, a Toyota Avalon, one of the models included in the recall, crashed into a lake in Texas, killing Monty Hardy, Hadassah Vance, Sharon Ransom and Wendy Akion. A witness recounted that the vehicle careered at high speed through a stop sign and smashed through a fence before hurtling into the water. Hardy’s wife told the media that her husband had complained of the car’s accelerator sticking. Its floor mats were found in the trunk. In January 2010, Toyota issued recalls of 2.3 million vehicles of other models, including Corollas, manufactured between 2005 and 2010. It admitted that as well as the dangers associated with the floor mats, “a rare set of conditions” could exist in which accelerator pedals could become slow to return or stuck in a depressed position.

The seriousness of the defect was downplayed in Toyota’s explanations to the NHTSA, however, prompting one of its employees to tell the regulator: “Someone will go to jail if lies are repeatedly told. I can’t support this.” The recall was eventually extended to vehicles sold in Europe and Asia. Numerous allegations were raised that the source of the problem lay in the drive-by-wire, electronic throttle system. Toyota continues to deny these allegations. Further recalls were issued by Toyota in 2013 over defective seatbelts, after receiving complaints for at least two years. In February this year, the company recalled 1.9 million Prius hybrids sold internationally, due to a software flaw that could cause the vehicles to completely shut down, even while being driven at high speeds. In 2013, Toyota paid out $1.6 billion to settle hundreds of civil claims over the acceleration defects. It also paid some $66 million in fines to the NHTSA. It still faces large numbers of civil actions. None of the executives responsible for ignoring complaints over safety will face criminal sanction, however, as a result of the Obama administration’s decision.

Across the auto industry, the Toyota settlement is viewed as a precedent that can also exonerate General Motors’ management from any culpability for ignition switch and related air bag defects. Attorney General Holder told journalists on Wednesday the Toyota deal would “serve as a model for how we treat cases with similarly situated companies. Other car companies should not repeat Toyota’s mistake.” As in the case of Toyota, GM was aware of the ignition switch problems as early as 2001. It did not issue a recall of 1.6 million defective vehicles until last month. The Center for Auto Safety estimates that 303 people have died in crashes in which air bags failed to deploy in the recalled GM models. The author also recommends: [17 March 2014] Sign up for the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter The WSWS urges auto workers and supporters to sign up for the Autoworker Newsletter for frequent updates and to leave your comments or questions. To do so, click here .

Question: What car company faced major problems over a sticking accelerator fault in 2010?
Answer: Toyota