Comments on: Toyota Fixes Pedals, But Upgrading Computers Would Have Been Better

By: Jason

Jason — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:16:29 +0000

Roger – I read somewhere that the Denso pedals (which are not under recall) have screws on the side, whereas the recalled pedal unit has big shiny plates. Hope that helps.

By: Roger D. VanZant

Roger D. VanZant — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:07:06 +0000

There is a number on the gas pedal that identifies where it was made , how do yoy find it??

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:51:55 +0000

Bob – That’s only on some units, though, right? They’re not going to add brake-idle failsafe to all the effected units, just the Camry, Corolla, and some others, right?

Mark – I suppose that you’re correct in that the scenario to use both brake and accelerator is *just* racing only. However, I disagree that using both pedals is normal. There isn’t a driver’s safety manual in the USA that recommends using both feet to control brake and throttle, and it’s a pretty neat trick to do it with one foot (my hat’s off to you if you manage that trick on a daily basis).

Of course, we’ve all used both pedals when driving a vehicle with a clutch, but Toyota doesn’t seem to be offering many of those anymore. I’m not saying that what you’re doing is wrong or unsafe – I’m just saying it’s not very common.

As for refusing to buy a car that has this feature, I anticipate you will be disappointed. Since almost all manufacturers use electronic throttle systems, I fully expect NHTSA to make this a new standard feature some time in the next few years. Anyways, thanks for commenting. I agree that it’s not a racing only situation, it’s probably about 95% racing (burn-outs are probably the main application, in fact).

By: Mark Burks

Mark Burks — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:15:55 +0000

I take exception to the position that simultaneous use of brake and throttle is “a racing-only scenario,” (and though admittedly non-expert,) I find myself opposed to the idea of programming that prevents this.
Consider me a normal, or a near-normal driver. I certainly am not and never have been a race driver. Still there are several situations I encounter that I use both controls simultaneously (i.e. poor traction in pulling onto a roadway; very tight city driving where my use of brake and throttle OCCASIONALLY overlap.)
I think if I encountered a vehicle that did not allow simultaneous throttle and brake inputs I would be unlikely ever to drive it a second time.

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:53:47 +0000

Part of the recall is re-flashing the computer and adding a brake overide system as someone stated above. All Toyota hybrids already have it built in (always have). By the end of 2010, all Toyota vehicles will have it standard.

By: Admin (Jason)

Admin (Jason) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:19:58 +0000

Scott – Agreed. No one is perfect, but Toyota has a long history of being very, very good.

By: Scott

Scott — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:43:50 +0000

I have had Toyota’s since I was 19, the original 86 SR5, a 99 and now a 2008 Tundra. I had Only one recall before this and I don’t consider this recall legit. I won’t be shrinking my gas pedal any time soon. I did install after market husky floor mats and took out the old. I examined the fit, how the pedal motion was effected and I have had no issues for over a year. My wifes vehichles both domestics and other foriegns have had issue after issue until she bought a Toyota Sienna. No company is perfect, but I will say Toyota is close to perfect for general reliability.

By: Admin (Jason)

Admin (Jason) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:24:17 +0000

Anonymous – You said “If you want a real truck without all the drama check out a domestic,” but all trucks have issues. What do you call all of this?
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Spontaneous combustion – http://www.switchfires.com/ and http://www.autoblog.com/2008/1.....ve-recall/
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Busted regulators and windows that fall into doors – http://www.carcomplaints.com/F.....ndex.shtml
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Cracked dashes – http://www.carcomplaints.com/Dodge/Ram_1500/2001/
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Brakes that don’t stop – http://www.consumeraffairs.com.....rakes.html
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Of course, I can find lots and lots of anecdotes too. Here’s an example of a Chevy that dropped a transmission during long-term testing – http://blogs.insideline.com/ro.....ilure.html – sort of dramatic, no?
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Bottom line – I’m sure you’ll believe what you’d like to, but the facts are that Toyota has problems just like everyone else.

By: Mickey

Mickey — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:54:45 +0000

Hey anonymous who is the drama queen? Apparently you’re hiding and not showing a name. Now that you had your cheap shot how about manning up and show us how the great domestics do with their recalls! Need I list them for you? Why is it that Ford had to recall the recall on it’s F-150? All what you mention must be the same since most of the owners haven’t brought their truck in. Now who’s the fool anonymous? Need I do more just for you? Are you that lonely that you need attention? Here’s a tip for you. Tie that steak around your neck and your dog will be your friend.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:04:13 +0000

Baby steps. They couldn’t do floor mats right the first time so what makes you think they are ready to work on computers? I think its funny how the truck that is change everything can get floor mats correct. Do start with “its the operator error”, if it is you must have some of the most ignorant people on earth. Fix the computer that’s real funny!! If you want a real truck without all the drama check out a domestic, unless your a drama QUEEN. Floormats, frame rust, bed bounce, cam, paint, drive shafts, I can’t wait to see what’s next. Maybe the lipstick holder will have a issue. Who said somthing about “too safe”, sure all these issues are due to their improvement in safety. Good excuse!!!