Personal Injury Law

Consumer Reports: Toyota Tops Sudden Acceleration In 2008 Models

By Jane Akre

Toyota Followed By Ford

Toyota's sudden acceleration problem is confirmed by research from the consumer group, Consumer Reports.

Looking at 6,000 complaints of unintended acceleration among all 2008 vehicles, the group finds that 41 percent of complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) came from Toyota owners.

The second highest number of complaints for sudden acceleration came from Ford owners, which registered 28 percent of the complaints.

'What really stood out to me is – and this isn't I guess surprising — that Toyota is not the only one that has these problems,' said Jeff Bartlett, deputy online autos editor for Consumer Reports.

Researchers found 128 complaints that posed a danger because they involved higher speeds. Toyota, Ford, and General Motors sell more cars than other makers, so their share of the market was taken into account.

With 23 percent of the market share, General Motors (GM) had only five complaints, reports the New York Times Wheels blog.

Among Toyota vehicles, Lexus had five complaints of sudden acceleration, while the remainder of the 47 complaints was spread among other Toyota models.

Chrysler, GM, Honda and Nissan combined were fewer than Toyotas. Ford had 36 complaints.

Bartlett says floor mats were not to blame in the consumer complaints. 'There was something else outside of the cabin, that was causing the problem,' he said.

What Consumers Can Do

Statistically speaking, Consumer Reports reminds consumers that the likelihood of experiencing sudden acceleration is low, but if applying the brakes does not stop a car, putting the vehicle in Neutral will stop the acceleration allowing you to pull to the side of the road.

Killing the engine during uncontrolled acceleration is not recommended says Consumer Reports, because you can also lose the power steering.

Practice shifting into Neutral in your own vehicle, the consumer group recommends.

Full post as published by InjuryBoard on December 08, 2009 (boomark / email).