As the Toyota Sudden Acceleration Saga Continues, Questions About Electronics Remain
Worries that an electronic flaw may be causing Toyota autos to suddenly accelerate continue even as the Japanese automaker adamantly denies any such problem, reports The Los Angeles Times.
As the article “For Toyota, the crucial question is electronics,” points out, nearly five months have passed since Toyota issued its first recall for unintended sudden acceleration. Toyota has blame floor mats that trap the accelerator and sticky gas pedals for the problem.
However, the automaker is adamant that the electronic throttle system has not caused the unwanted acceleration.
But outside automobile engineering experts indicate that as vehicles become increasingly complex and technologically sophisticated, even the most thorough testing can fail to uncover the problem.
"It can be a tremendously difficult thing to spot," said Ronald Jurgen, an electrical engineer who edits the Automotive Electronics Reliability guidebook for the Society of Automotive Engineers.He said that code errors in programs, electromagnetic interference or design problems in circuit boards could create issues that appear only in extremely rare instances.
"And when you can't spot it, it's just as dangerous and deadly as a major mechanical problem," Jurgen added.
The experts also point out that a recall involving electronics, fixing them can be a lot more expensive than the mechanical fixes associated with floor mats and sticky pedals.
On Friday, a letter from Toyota’s attorneys to a New York lawmaker was released. In it, Toyota’s lawyers state that an outside engineering and testing firm examined the electronic throttle system and found there were no problems or hints of problems.
But that hasn’t stopped the questions. Three congressional committees are currently investigating the matter and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation to determine whether electromagnetic interference could cause sudden acceleration.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident involving sudden acceleration of a Toyota, Lexus or Pontiac auto, contact the sudden-acceleration recall attorneys at St. Louis-based Carey & Danis by filling out our online contact form or calling 800-721-2519 toll free.
