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Feds: Toyota Statement on Accidents 'Misleading'

Matter isn't closed, says NHTSA

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 5, 2009 2:21 PM CST
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(Newser) – Federal safety officials have criticized Toyota for trying to play down mechanical concerns over their "runaway cars.” Though victims and media reports have suggested that computer malfunctions or pedal design flaws are to blame in several incidents in which cars uncontrollably accelerated, Toyota says oversize floor mats are the only cause. The NHTSA called a company statement on the matter “inaccurate and misleading."

"This matter is not closed until Toyota has effectively addressed the defect by providing a suitable vehicle-based solution," said an NHTSA statement in what the LA Times described as an unusual public rebuke. "This is particularly public at a particularly difficult time for Toyota," says an automotive industry consultant. "Toyota was trying to say it has a clean bill of health from NHTSA, when it does not."

In this Aug. 4, 2009, photo, a friend peers in the window as Winny and Lap Chan prepare to drive away in their brand new Scion from a Toyota dealership in New York.
In this Aug. 4, 2009, photo, a friend peers in the window as Winny and Lap Chan prepare to drive away in their brand new Scion from a Toyota dealership in New York.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Toyota Motor Corp. Executive Vice President Yoichiro Ichimaru speaks during a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009.
Toyota Motor Corp. Executive Vice President Yoichiro Ichimaru speaks during a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009.   (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
usmc52@peoplepc.com
Nov 6, 2009 12:57 PM CST
Corona, I see kedbed is another traitorist fuck buddy of yours. You cannot get any more UN-AMERICAN than you and people like. You like to claim free choice. You also have a bad case of INCOME ENVY. You bunch of uneducated worthless fucks. You are at the bottom of the income chain and HATE IT. So you think you are fucking us, but you will be feeling the pain soon!
ezrider
Nov 6, 2009 12:43 PM CST
these are a few of the american great cars that i owned,1973 vega at around 40000 miles it would drop a qt of OPEC's best at every 750 miles,1974camaro 48000 one qt every 1200 miles ,and some of the vegas was worse.1980 firebird formula with 200 metric transmission 98000 miles in the shop transmission failure,i found they had a history of frequent failure,1999 chevy one year old ,fuel gauge stop working.all this was with regular maintenance schedule
Spudsy
Nov 6, 2009 3:31 AM CST
Conservatives only want smaller government when it involves their concerns. If it say, something like marijuana laws, then they want a huge fed response. If it is something like gay marriage, then they want the gov out and let the nuts in the churches decide.

 
Toyota • recall • NHTSA • cars

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