The Toyota Issue

Toyota has announced a voluntary safety recall on approximately 133,000 2010 Prius and 14,500 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid cars to update software in the anti-lock brake system (ABS). The brake system has been found to have inconsistent brake feel in some situations, particularly partial braking on rough or slick road surfaces when ABS is activated. Toyota had launched a voluntary safety recall on approximately 7,300 early-production, four-cylinder 2010 Camrys that may have been fitted with a wrong-sized power steering hose. The recall involves a hose inspection to check for possible contact with a front brake tube. This contact could lead to a hole in the brake tube and cause a brake fluid leak, increased brake pedal stroke, and greater vehicle stopping distance. Now the number of models recalled has grown to 8 accounting for a total recall of over 8 million vehicles in the U.S alone.

Unintended acceleration appears to be an issue with many auto manufacturers. And the recent controversies raise questions about whether there should be specifications for pedal design and clearance from the floor.