Recalling the Toyota recalls

During my stint with erstwhile Chrysler, I learnt one important thing about the average American car drivers - they are a quirky and very paranoid bunch of people when it comes to the quality and the safety of the vehicles. No wonder they have the safest and the most technologically advanced vehicles; but at the same time over-dependence on technology has diluted the driver's intuition in the average American.


The recent Toyota recall story is not new. It is a deja vu of the Audi 5000 recalls in the mid-1980's. Anyway, we all know the story of unintended acceleration of certain Toyota and Lexus models and the number of recalls made, etc. In my opinion, Toyota did a commendable job in managing the negative publicity, but just a couple of months after the hue and cry is over, everybody seems to forget to find out what really happened. Were the Prius' really faulty, as alleged? What about the outcome of the investigation?


I stumbled upon Drew Winter's commentary in Wards Auto and I think it is a must-read. Drew gives very nice details on what really happened as the initial Federal investigation results showed up and further investigations are made. To read Drew's article click here.


Addendum - The NHTSA slammed a fine of USD 16.4 mn on Toyota stating that Toyota was aware of the faulty electronic throttle, but chose to remain silent. Food for thought - Toyota being fined means the Big 3 sales increase, two of which are owned by the US government.