Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/cut-it-out-toyotas-recalled-pedal-modification-remedy-detailed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/cut-it-out-toyotas-recalled-pedal-modification-remedy-detailed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/cut-it-out-toyotas-recalled-pedal-modification-remedy-detailed/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Toyota/Lexus gas pedal recall modification - click above for gallery

Late last month, Toyota announced that it would begin its biggest recall action ever, summoning 3.8 million cars and trucks back to its dealers to combat "pedal entrapment" by cutting down the accelerator pedals of customer cars to avoid them getting hung-up on floormats, resulting in "unintended acceleration." Although Toyota plans to eventually substitute redesigned units for the shaved pedals (beginning in April), for the moment, it's shaved pedals or nothing.

Up until now, we didn't know what went into the modification process or how the finished pedal looks, as Toyota has worked hard to keep this process confidential. However, thanks to an anonymous Autoblog reader who happens to work in service at a Lexus franchise, we now have a much better idea of what goes into the process. Our source reveals that he's only witnessed the alteration carried out on a ES350, not the IS or any other Toyota model, but we imagine the process is quite similar for other vehicles.

In any case, the procedure is surprisingly involved, with the automaker providing the following tools to every dealership: A cutter, an electric sanding wheel, a gauge to measure how much of the pedal is to be removed and a smaller foam block to go under the carpet. Lexus is disbursing people from its area offices to train dealer technicians on the process, and Toyota is undoubtedly doing the same.

We'll let our source take it from here:
"We will have to remove the gas pedal from the vehicle and place it on a vise. Using the gauge, we are to mark the amount to be removed and cut it off. After this, we take the sanding wheel and angle the edges to make a smooth contoured surface that both looks nice and will not stick to the floor carpet or floor mat.

Also included in the repair is to replace a foam block under the floor carpet with a smaller one to lower the height of the floor slightly behind the gas pedal. What was explained to us is the foam block is glued to the bottom of the floor carpet from the factory. The block will need to be removed by heating the top side of the floor carpet with a hair dryer - not a heat gun. This is to prevent burning of the floor carpet.
(Click through to the jump for the rest of the process and more details)


Gallery: Toyota/Lexus gas pedal recall modification

Continue reading Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step

Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AvalonCamryIS 250IS 350IS250IS350LExus ES350Lexus IS 250Lexus IS 350LexusEs350LexusIs250LexusIs350NHTSApedal entrapmentpedal recallPedalEntrapmentPedalRecallPriusrecallTacomaToyota AvalonToyota CamryToyota pedalToyota Priustoyota recallToyota TacomaToyota TundraToyotaAvalonToyotaCamryToyotaPedalToyotaPriusToyotaRecallToyotaTacomaToyotaTundraTundraunintended accelerationUnintendedAcceleration Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Unintended Consequence of Technology: New LED traffic lights can't melt snow]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/unintended-consequence-of-technology-new-led-traffic-lights-can/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/unintended-consequence-of-technology-new-led-traffic-lights-can/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/unintended-consequence-of-technology-new-led-traffic-lights-can/#comments Filed under: , ,

Traffic lights using state-of-the-art LED illumination use 90 percent less electricity, offer a much longer service life and are more durable than their incandescent counterparts. Taking advantage of the countless benefits, cities around the country have been replacing traditional filament-based traffic signal bulbs with LEDs for years. Unfortunately, the low-watt LED units burn much cooler than its white-hot counterpart making it unable to melt snow off weather exposed traffic fixtures.

"I've never had to put up with this in the past," said Duane Kassens, a driver from Indiana who was involved in an accident attributed to a snow-clogged traffic light. "The police officer told me the new lights weren't melting the snow. How is that safe?" It obviously isn't.

Municipalities around the country are taking different steps to keep their signals shining brightly in the face of Mother Nature. Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, use compressed air to keep their lights clean. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, city workers brush the snow off by hand in a labor-intensive process. Until a fix arrives, it is best to take the advice of Dave Hansen, a traffic engineer with the Green Bay Department of Public Works. Treat a blocked signal as if the power is out. "If there's any question, you err on the side of caution," says Hansen.

[Source: AOL Autos | Image: Oswego Police]

Unintended Consequence of Technology: New LED traffic lights can't melt snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BlubFreezeIceLEDLED BulbsLED lightingLED TechnologyLED traffic lightsLedBulbsLedLightingLedTechnologyLedTrafficLightsLightsroad lightsroad safetyRoadLightsRoadSafetySignalsSnowstreet lightStreet LightsStreetLightStreetLightstraffic lightTraffic Lightstraffic safetytraffic signalTraffic SignalsTrafficLightTrafficLightsTrafficSafetyTrafficSignalTrafficSignalsWinter Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:31:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Australian Transport Accident Commission celebrates 20 years of disturbing commercials]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-australian-transport-accident-commission-celebrates-20-ye/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-australian-transport-accident-commission-celebrates-20-ye/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-australian-transport-accident-commission-celebrates-20-ye/#comments Filed under: , ,

Don't drink and drive - Click above to view the video after the jump

Years ago when we were in drivers ed watching either Blood on the Highway or Red Asphalt -- the two gore-filled negative education films from the early 1970s that tried to scare us stright -- the cheerleader seated in front of us cold passed out. Just flopped right on the floor. It had to have been the scene where the camera arrives on the scene of a motorcycle wreck and, well, let's just say the poor rider needed an new knee. But as blood and guts infused as those films were, they can't even hold an emergency room candle to the carnage taking place on Australian television.

This film is a "best of" from 20 years of Transport Accident Commission films. And man... Notice how we didn't pass out during drivers ed? We have an iron stomach. That said, this video gets to be a little much. There's just so much non-stop carnage... The video almost makes us care less about drinking and driving than it does the perils of watching blood-infused video clips. Almost.

Here's what our Aussie tipster Casey had to say about the video, "Celebrating' 20 years of TAC TV advertisements, this once-only three-minute clip was shown on all free-to-air TV networks once on December 10 2009. It's a collage of their work over the 20 years and the graphic scenes put to air. It's an excellent (and chilling) viewing." Agreed, you're going see high production values and even higher casualty rates. Watch the video - if you have the stomach for it - after the jump.

[Source: Colorbus]

Continue reading VIDEO: Australian Transport Accident Commission celebrates 20 years of disturbing commercials

VIDEO: Australian Transport Accident Commission celebrates 20 years of disturbing commercials originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AustraliaAustralian Transport Accident CommisionAustralianTransportAccidentCommisionCrashesDrinking and DrivingDrinkingAndDrivingHighway SafetyHighwaySafetySafetyTransport Accident CommisionTransportAccidentCommisionVehicle SafetyVehicleSafety Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:23:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Thermahelm motorcycle helmet is swell. Err... <i>not</i> swell]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/video-thermahelm-motorcycle-helmet-is-swell-err-not/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/video-thermahelm-motorcycle-helmet-is-swell-err-not/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/video-thermahelm-motorcycle-helmet-is-swell-err-not/#comments Filed under: , ,

Thermahelm helmet animation - Click above to watch the video after the break

We're sure this comes as a shock to nobody, but here we go anyway: brain swelling is bad. Very bad. That thick, hard skull surrounding your brain is great at providing a good deal of protection, but when things go awry in a big way, there isn't much room in there to let your brain expand.

Cooling the brain in some manner is apparently a good way to reduce swelling, and a company from the U.K. called Thermahelm has worked up a new motorcycle helmet that incorporates a layer ammonium nitrate and water that instantly mixes in the event of a crash. The chemical reaction will maintain a 37-degree brain temperature, which is said to stave off oxygen loss to the brain.

According to Thermahelm, its technology will add roughly $250 to the cost of a helmet, and the company is currently working on a retrofit kit that will allow riders to install the system in their own helmets. Click past the break to watch a nifty video animating the technology.

[Source: Thermahelm]

Continue reading VIDEO: Thermahelm motorcycle helmet is swell. Err... not swell

VIDEO: Thermahelm motorcycle helmet is swell. Err... not swell originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bike helmetbike safetyBikeHelmetBikeSafetybrain injurybrain traumaBrainInjuryBrainTraumahelmethelmetsmotorcycle helmetmotorcycle helmetsmotorcycle safetyMotorcycleHelmetMotorcycleHelmetsMotorcycleSafetythermahelmthermahelm helmetThermahelmHelmet Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i>: Over 40 percent of 'sudden acceleration' claims involve Toyota]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/consumer-reports-over-40-percent-of-sudden-acceleration/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/consumer-reports-over-40-percent-of-sudden-acceleration/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/consumer-reports-over-40-percent-of-sudden-acceleration/#comments Filed under: , , ,



We're guessing you've heard about Toyota's massive 3.8 million vehicle recall for unintended acceleration. It appears to be an issue that could have potentially resulted in several deaths and reports of hundreds of accidents. Consumer Reports wanted to dig deeper on the matter, studying National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data for the 2008 model year. CR chose 2008 because the claims occurred prior to the widespread media coverage that has resulted in a flood of new complaints.

In studying NHTSA's accumulated 5,916 reports CR found that 166 involved unintended acceleration complaints. Of those, 128 were reported prior to August 28, 2009, when a California family was killed in a Lexus sedan experiencing uncontrollable acceleration. Of those 128 complaints, 47 came from Toyota and five from Lexus, representing 41 percent of overall unintended acceleration complaints. That's obviously a disproportionate amount of reports for an automaker with 16 percent of the US market's overall share. Here's one complaint logged by NHTSA.
"I felt the vehicle [2008 Lexus ES 350] increasing in speed to about 90 mph, without depressing the accelerator. I had been on cruise control at about 73 mph... [A] passenger screamed at me to slow down. I was unable to do so, even after stepping forcefully on the brakes."
While Toyota had a disproportionate amount of unintended acceleration claims, the Japanese automaker wasn't alone. Ford received an also high 36 overall complaints, or 28 percent of all U.S. models. The F-150 appears to have been one of the Blue Oval's main culprits, and complaints ranged from a gas pedal that was too wide to an engine that decided to go buck wild.
"The engine immediately increased in rpm to the point where the rear tires began spinning on the gravel. I put the transmission in Neutral and the engine rpm increased. I removed my foot from the brake and the engine continued at a very high rpm. I then depressed and released the accelerator and the engine returned to a normal idle."
While Toyota and Ford have the lion's share of unintended acceleration claims, other automakers have a disproportionately low amount of complaints. Chrysler came in with 11 complaints, GM had seven, Honda had five and Nissan had three. Head over to Consumer Reports for its full report and more information on unintended acceleration.

UPDATE: Numbers and percentages mentioned in second paragraph further clarified.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports: Over 40 percent of 'sudden acceleration' claims involve Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2008 ford f-1502008 lexus es3502008FordF-1502008LexusEs350ford f-150FordF-150toyotatoyota recallToyotaRecallunintended accelerationUnintendedAcceleration Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST <![CDATA[NHTSA investigating claims of stalling on 2006 Toyota Corolla, Matrix]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/nhtsa-investigating-claims-of-stalling-on-2006-toyota-corolla-m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/nhtsa-investigating-claims-of-stalling-on-2006-toyota-corolla-m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/nhtsa-investigating-claims-of-stalling-on-2006-toyota-corolla-m/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



When it rains, it pours. With recalls on the books for Toyota floor mats and corrosion problems, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now investigating reports that Toyota's Corolla and Matrix vehicles may have engines susceptible to stalling. Owners of the 2006 model year Corolla and Matrix vehicles with the questioned 1ZZ-FE engines have described stalling in intersections and on highways, putting drivers at a safety risk while they attempt to restart the engine. There have been no reports of crashes.

It's important to note that about 397,000 vehicles are covered by the review, and that only 26 complaints have been lodged (that works out to about one in every 15,000 vehicles). Since it is a preliminary investigation, there's no recall until NHTSA investigates and determines that the stalling is caused by a specific design or parts defect. Of course, they may also find the stalling issue is attributed to poor maintenance or bad gas... nobody is pointing fingers. Yet.

[Source: Reuters]

NHTSA investigating claims of stalling on 2006 Toyota Corolla, Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2006 Corolla2006 Matrix2006Corolla2006Matrixengine stallingEngineStallingIZZ-FENHTSAnhtsa recallNhtsaRecallrecall investigationRecallInvestigationstallingToyota CorollaToyota MatrixToyotaCorollaToyotaMatrix Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Prior driver of loaner Lexus in fatal crash told dealer of floormat issue]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-prior-driver-of-loaner-lexus-in-fatal-crash-told-dealer/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-prior-driver-of-loaner-lexus-in-fatal-crash-told-dealer/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-prior-driver-of-loaner-lexus-in-fatal-crash-told-dealer/#comments Filed under: ,



A few weeks ago, we learned that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ruled that the crash of a loaner Lexus ES350 that killed San Diego police officer Mark Saylor, his wife, 13-year-old daughter and brother in law was not just the result of an improper RX400h floor mat sticking the accelerator wide open it was due to a range of factors. In addition to the car having the wrong mats, the brake "rotors were discolored and heated, had very rough surfaces, had substantial deposits of brake pad material, and showed signs of bright orange oxidation on the cooling fins consistent with endured braking."

According to the San Diego Union Tribune, it turns out that three days before the crash, Frank Bernard had been given the loaner Lexus and experienced the floor mat sticking the throttle wide open. "[W]hile merging onto Interstate 15 from the Poway Road on-ramp, [Bernard] took his foot off the gas and the car kept accelerating, to 85 mph." Here's where it gets even more tragic:

"Bernard pressed long and hard on the brakes and was able to pull over and slow down. He put the car into neutral, but the engine continued to race at full speed. After several failed attempts at turning off the engine, he realized the floor mat had jammed the gas pedal. He slid his foot under the accelerator, dislodged it and had no further problems, the report says."

As stated above, without brake-assist (which would disappear after a few moments due to loss of engine vacuum at wide-open throttle) Bernard was able to stop the car, but the brakes would have been fairly stressed. Bernard returned the car to the dealership, but only told a receptionist about the floor mat incident. For her part, the receptionist at first stated she didn't remember Bernard or his story, but later changed her tune, stating that she told a vehicle specialist about the issue. The vehicle specialist denies ever hearing about it. And the vice president of Bob Baker Lexus El Cajon has no comment.

The question then becomes if the proper personnel had been alerted to Mr. Bernard's incident, would the ES350 have received new brakes and the correct mats before it was lent to the Saylors? It should also be noted that the ES350 was loaned to two other customers between Bernard and the Saylors without incident. Toyota has since recalled 3.8 million vehicles to reshape and replace accelerator pedals.

[Source: San Diego Union Tribune]

REPORT: Prior driver of loaner Lexus in fatal crash told dealer of floormat issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Floor Mat RecallFloor matsFloorMatRecallFloorMatsLexusLexus ES350Lexus RecallLexusEs350LexusRecallNHTSAToyotaToyota Floor MatToyota Floor Mat RecallToyota RecallToyotaFloorMatToyotaFloorMatRecallToyotaRecall Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>NewScientist</i> investigates emerging road-heating technologies]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/newscientist-investigates-emerging-road-heating-technolog/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/newscientist-investigates-emerging-road-heating-technolog/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/newscientist-investigates-emerging-road-heating-technolog/#comments Filed under: ,



Those not blessed with endless sun have to put up with road salt each and every winter, and it does a number on cars and roadways alike. There must be a better option, right?

Enter Christiana Chang and her colleagues at the University of Houston in Texas. The researchers are developing self-heating roads that would melt off the snow and ice without resorting to a powdery mess of road salt. There are a number of ways to go about heating the road, including coating it in fly ash or steel shavings and sending electricity through it or pumping heated water through the concrete, but the system favored by Chang is predictably a bit more high-tech.

Sheets of cone-shaped carbon nanofibers are embedded in paper and placed under the roadway. Electricity heats these sheets, thereby melting the sloppy wintery mix. According to Chang, this system consumes less power than other options and the carbon nanotube-embedded paper sheets are cheap and plentiful. Will it ever see the light of day? We hope so, for the sake of our salt-covered buddies out east, of course.

[Source: NewScientist | Image: J.D. Pooley/Getty Images]

NewScientist investigates emerging road-heating technologies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carbon nanofibersCarbonNanofiberschristiana changChristianaChangheatedheated concreteheated roadheated roadsHeatedConcreteHeatedRoadHeatedRoadsroad saltRoadSaltsalt Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Ready, Set, Go! Clever stoplight concept counts down to green]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ready-set-go-clever-stoplight-concept-counts-down-to-green/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ready-set-go-clever-stoplight-concept-counts-down-to-green/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ready-set-go-clever-stoplight-concept-counts-down-to-green/#comments Filed under: ,

Eko stop light - Click above for image gallery

We've got the stoplights in our neighborhood timed pretty well, but it's pretty painful when you're at a foreign intersection and have absolutely no idea when the light will turn green. We shift our vehicle into Neutral and give our left foot a break at a stoplight that we know is long, but at uncharted lights, we occasionally keep our clutch foot to the floor.

One designer by the name of Damjan Stankovic decided we should wait no longer, so he designed an innovative-looking "Eko" stoplight that offers an easy to read indicator that shows how much time the light has until it turns green. The idea has some merit. If you want to conserve fuel and reduce CO2 emissions, you could turn off your engine during truly long lights. (We wouldn't, but you could). If drivers were able to see the light from far away, they could also let off the accelerator early and save a little strain on the brakes. We can think of one big issue, though: drivers trying to time the turn from red to green.

What do you think? Would a red light timer be a good thing, or would it be a recipe for disaster? Give us your take in 'Comments.' Thanks for the tips, Spyros and Jared!


Gallery: Eko Stop Light


[Source: Yanko Design]

Ready, Set, Go! Clever stoplight concept counts down to green originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Damjan StankovicDamjanStankovicroad safetyRoadSafetystop lightstop light timerStopLightStopLightTimertraffic safetyTrafficSafety Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: NHTSA proposing new side airbag standards expected to cost $54 per car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-nhtsa-proposing-new-side-airbag-standards-expected-to-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-nhtsa-proposing-new-side-airbag-standards-expected-to-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-nhtsa-proposing-new-side-airbag-standards-expected-to-co/#comments Filed under: ,



Naturally, safety is a top priority for both automakers and consumers alike. It's also of paramount concern to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, which is the government body that sets standards for automobile safety here in the States. According to The Detroit News, NHTSA is currently drafting up new legislation that would make side curtain airbags more robust.

NHTSA projects that the modified airbags would save some 402 lives and prevent 302 serious injuries per year, with the bulk of those made up of motorists who are not properly wearing their seat belts. The new rules would mandate curtain airbags that cover up more of the window opening and stay inflated longer, helping to ensure that occupants are not ejected during a rollover accident.

What price safety? Current estimates peg the upgrade at about $54 per vehicle, which equals roughly $920 million annually. Under the proposal, 20 percent of every major manufacturer's fleet would need to comply by 2014 and all vehicles would need to be so-equipped by 2017.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: NHTSA proposing new side airbag standards expected to cost $54 per car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> airbagairbagscurtain airbagcurtain airbagsCurtainAirbagCurtainAirbagsNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationnhtsanhtsa airbagNhtsaAirbagside curtain airbagside curtain airbagsSideCurtainAirbagSideCurtainAirbags Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Ford loses appeal in rollover case, must pay $55M]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/#comments Filed under: , , ,



According to The Detroit News, the Supreme Court has let stand a ruling that Ford Motor Company is at fault for a 2002 rollover crash involving a 1997 Ford Explorer and the Dearborn, MI-based automaker must pay $55 million in punitive damages. Benetta Buell-Wilson's Explorer rolled over four-and-a-half times after she swerved to avoid debris. When the roof collapsed on her neck, it severed her spinal cord and left her paralyzed.

Ford unsuccessfully argued that it shouldn't be punished due to the fact that the Explorer complied with federal safety standards when it was built. Buell-Wilson was originally awarded $369 million in damages, but a pair of California courts cut down the total value of damages to $82.6 million.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Ford loses appeal in rollover case, must pay $55M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> benetta buell-wilsonBenettaBuell-wilsonfordford explorerFordExplorerrolloversupreme courtSupremeCourt Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota dealers caught off guard by pedal recall]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-toyota-dealers-caught-out-by-pedal-entrapment-recall/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-toyota-dealers-caught-out-by-pedal-entrapment-recall/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-toyota-dealers-caught-out-by-pedal-entrapment-recall/#comments Filed under: ,



Last week Toyota publicly announced that it was recalling 3.8 million Avalon, Camry and Lexus ES 350 models on account of fears over unintended acceleration. The fix for Toyota's sudden acceleration issue includes the reshaping and/or replacing of accelerator pedals, with replacement pedals reportedly arriving in April. As you'd probably guess, the massive recall has led to many customers calling dealers for additional info, but unfortunately dealers weren't exactly prepared to respond.

Wards Automotive is reporting that Toyota didn't inform its dealer body of the proposed changes, which apparently includes the reconfiguration of the floor of some models, before the announcement was made. The industry trade journal says that a Toyota spokesman told them that the severity of the situation meant there was no time to inform dealers first, though all dealers have been informed by now.

Wards spoke to a couple dealers who sound more than a little frustrated by the situation. Earl Stewart of Earl Stewart Toyota of North Palm Bay, FL reportedly called the situation "confusing" and "embarrassing," adding that his dealership has been fixing floor mats the past few months without getting paid by Toyota for their work.

While we agree that Toyota was right in getting this information out to the public as quickly as possible, we're surprised it didn't first alert its dealer body. After all, the dealership is the public face of the company, and if customers call and dealers don't have answers, it looks like the situation is anything but under control. The official recall notices for the Avalon, Camry and ES are expected to come by year end, while five other models, including the Prius, Tacoma, Tundra and Lexus IS 250/IS 350, will receive similar notices sometime in 2010.

[Source: Wards Automotive, sub. req'd]

REPORT: Toyota dealers caught off guard by pedal recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> recallsudden accelerationSuddenAccelerationtoyotatoyota recallToyotaRecallunintended accelerationUnintendedAcceleration Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST <![CDATA[BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Toyota has announced that it will recall some 3.8 million cars and trucks to reshape and/or replace their accelerator pedals. The action is the result of fears that loose floormats may cause the accelerator pedal to stick, increasing the risk of an accident. The recall will be the largest in the Japanese automaker's history, and it will cover a wide range of vehicles from the 2004 model year through 2010 - a complete list is available after the jump. The move comes after an earlier action where Toyota announced it would recall 3.8 million vehicles to only swap floor mats.

Working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota will effect the recall by sending letters to owners of its Avalon, Camry, and Lexus ES 350 models by year's end. Five other models, including the Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, and Lexus IS 250/IS 350 will receive similar notices sometime in 2010.

The plan includes training dealer service representatives to reshape gas pedals, and Toyota will develop and ship redesigned gas pedals beginning in April. Those customers who have elected to have their pedals initially reshaped will still be able to have the pedal replaced when the updated unit becomes available. Vehicles fitted with Toyota or Lexus-made all-weather floor mats will also receive a new set of redesigned front mats.

Interestingly, Toyota will also install a a brake override system that will turn off the engine if both the accelerator and the brake are depressed simultaneously. According to Automotive News, this update will occur on "involved Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models 'as an extra measure of confidence.'" This action appears to be limited to vehicles that employ Toyota's push-button start system, but interestingly its hybrid-only Prius has apparently been excluded.

For its part, Toyota says the cost of the action will come entirely from its dedicated recall fund, a $5.6 billion dollar stash, and therefore, the recall will have "no effect" on its business. The news come on the heels of yesterday's announcement that Toyota will recall 2000-2003 Tundra pickups over frame rust issues.

A complete list of vehicles covered under the action and both NHTSA and Toyota's official press releases are available after the jump.

[Sources: Reuters; Automotive News; NHTSA; Toyota]

Continue reading BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals

BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingbreakingnewsCamryfloor matfloormatfloormat recallFloormatRecallfloormatsfloormats recallFloormatsRecallLexus ISLexus IS 250Lexus IS 350Lexus IS250Lexus IS350LexusIsLexusIs250LexusIs350PriustoyotaToyota AvalonToyota CamryToyota PriusToyota TacomaToyota TundraToyotaAvalonToyotaCamryToyotaPriusToyotaTacomaToyotaTundratoyta recallToytaRecall Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST <![CDATA[NHTSA opening probe into Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey transmission defect]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nhtsa-opening-probe-into-ford-freestar-mercury-monterey-transmis/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nhtsa-opening-probe-into-ford-freestar-mercury-monterey-transmis/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nhtsa-opening-probe-into-ford-freestar-mercury-monterey-transmis/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating hundreds of reports that 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans are fitted with defective transmissions that could dangerously fail without warning. Most alarming is that many of the transmissions reportedly fail at highway speeds. In a common complaint, the engine will suddenly surge and then all power is immediately lost. The vehicle is forced to coast powerlessly to a safe spot out of the flow of traffic. Angry owners have flooded message boards to report incidents of transmission failures which leave them stranded and stuck with $3,500 repair bills.

To date, there have been 654 customer complaints and 2,791 warranty claims. However, according to NHTSA, as many as 205,000 vehicles may be affected. The investigation, expected to take a year, will focus on the torque converter output shaft which drives the wheels. Ford Motor Co. has not yet released an official statement regarding the investigation.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

NHTSA opening probe into Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey transmission defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> DefectFord Freestarford minivansFordFreestarFordMinivansFreestarMercury MontereyMercuryMontereyMontereyNHTSARecallTorque ConverterTorque Converter FailureTorqueConverterTorqueConverterFailureTransmissionTransmission FailureTransmission problemTransmissionFailureTransmissionProblem Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Toyota extends Tundra rust recall to include 2000-03 models, totalling 110,000 trucks]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/toyota-extends-tundra-rust-recall-to-include-2000-03-models-tot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/toyota-extends-tundra-rust-recall-to-include-2000-03-models-tot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/toyota-extends-tundra-rust-recall-to-include-2000-03-models-tot/#comments Filed under: , , ,



If you've been following the Toyota Tundra rust saga, you're aware that NHSTA recently requested data from Toyota about the purported frame corrosion affecting 2000 and 2001 models. Today, Toyota has extended that recall to include the 2002-03 model years, saying that a small number of trucks could suffer from frame corrosion that could cause the spare tire to detach from its underbody housing. That brings the total up to 110,000 Tundras located in 20 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia.

Toyota will begin an inspection program next month which will run through January of 2010, and if you're driving one of the affected pickups, you can get all the details in the press release below the fold. Hat tip to Mike from Pickuptrucks.com.

Continue reading Toyota extends Tundra rust recall to include 2000-03 models, totalling 110,000 trucks

Toyota extends Tundra rust recall to include 2000-03 models, totalling 110,000 trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20020002000 toyota tundra2000ToyotaTundra20012001 toyota tundra recall rust2001ToyotaTundraRecallRust20022002 toyota tundra recall rust2002ToyotaTundraRecallRust20032003 toyota tundra recall rust2003ToyotaTundraRecallRustframesrecallrustspare tireSpareTiretoyotatoyota tundraToyotaTundratundra Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:27:00 EST <![CDATA[Dodge recalling nearly 85k 2007 Nitro models over failing wiper concern]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/dodge-recalling-nearly-85k-2007-nitro-models-over-failing-wiper/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/dodge-recalling-nearly-85k-2007-nitro-models-over-failing-wiper/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/dodge-recalling-nearly-85k-2007-nitro-models-over-failing-wiper/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Roughly 85,000 2007 Dodge Nitros are being recalled for a windshield wiper issue. Use of the delay settings could lead to the wiper not working at all in any setting. The recall is expected to begin this month, and dealers will repair the wiper mechanism and software for free. For further information you can read the press release after the jump or contact the NHTSA.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Dodge recalling nearly 85k 2007 Nitro models over failing wiper concern

Dodge recalling nearly 85k 2007 Nitro models over failing wiper concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2007 dodge2007 dodge nitro2007 nitro2007Dodge2007DodgeNitro2007Nitrododgedodge nitroDodgeNitroNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationnhtsanitro Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota forced to submit data on Tundra frame rust to NHTSA]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/toyota-reportedly-forced-to-submit-data-on-tundra-frame-rust-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/toyota-reportedly-forced-to-submit-data-on-tundra-frame-rust-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/toyota-reportedly-forced-to-submit-data-on-tundra-frame-rust-to/#comments Filed under: , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began a preliminary evaluation last month of rusting Tundra frames from the 2000 and 2001 model years. Around 200 complaints had been registered before the NHTSA commenced its investigation, with upwards of seventy more complaints coming in since then.

As with the rusting Tacoma frames, the Tundra members in question were made by Dana. Importantly, though, the Tundra examination is focused only on "the cross member that supports the spare tire -- not the entire frame." Still, that area has been blamed by consumers for the spare tire coming loose, and for brake system failures due to corrosion at the brake line mounting points.

Toyota ended up buying back Tacomas or extending warranties to settle the rust issue, but Tundra frames were built at different Dana plants and to different specifications, so the Tundra issue is not assumed to be the same as the Tacoma issue. Toyota had until last week to submit its information on the frames, now the NHTSA will need to decide what to do next.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Toyota forced to submit data on Tundra frame rust to NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2000 toyota tundra2000 tundra2000ToyotaTundra2000Tundra2001 toyota tundra2001 tundra2001ToyotaTundra2001TundraNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationnhtsasafetytoyota tundraToyotaTundra Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Jeep recalling over 161k 2007-2008 Wrangler AT models due to tranny temp. sensor absence]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/jeep-recalling-over-161k-2007-2008-wrangler-at-models-due-to-tra/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/jeep-recalling-over-161k-2007-2008-wrangler-at-models-due-to-tra/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/jeep-recalling-over-161k-2007-2008-wrangler-at-models-due-to-tra/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Owners of model year 2007-2008 Jeep Wranglers with automatic transmissions may have to visit their local dealers as Chrysler is recalling 161,450 of the SUVs over potential transmission overheating problems. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), Wrangler models manufactured between June 2006 and July 2008 with automatic transmissions were not fitted with a transmission fluid temperature warning system. If the AT fluid in the affected vehicles overheats, it may boil over and come in contact with hot engine or exhaust components - possibly leading to a fire.

To help alert drivers that their Jeep's transmission is overheating, dealers will inspect and install a visual "Hot Oil" message in the instrument cluster accompanied by an audible chime to indicate the elevated fluid temperature. The service will be performed free of charge starting in December. For more information, owners of the affected models may call Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403, NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236, or visit www.safercar.gov. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Jeep recalling over 161k 2007-2008 Wrangler AT models due to tranny temp. sensor absence

Jeep recalling over 161k 2007-2008 Wrangler AT models due to tranny temp. sensor absence originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2007 Jeep Wrangler2007JeepWrangler2008 Jeep Wrangler2008JeepWranglerAT fluidAtFluidfirefluidJeep RecallJeep Wrangler RecallJeepRecallJeepWranglerRecallNHTSAnhtsa recallNhtsaRecalloverheatRecallTransmissionwrangler pickupwrangler truckWranglerPickupWranglerTruckWranglerUnlimited Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota may 'shorten' gas pedals to fix unintended acceleration issue]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/report-toyota-may-shorten-gas-pedals-to-fix-unintended-accele/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/report-toyota-may-shorten-gas-pedals-to-fix-unintended-accele/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/report-toyota-may-shorten-gas-pedals-to-fix-unintended-accele/#comments Filed under: ,


The Toyota "unintended acceleration" issue has been a hot-button topic for nearly two months, with the Japanese automaker working closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Association to come up with a permanent solution to the growing problem. Toyota recently published a statement to address the issue, stating it would "take a closer look at the potential for an accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat."

Inside Line and Kyodo News are reporting that Toyota may be close to announcing that they will shorten the gas pedal of the four million vehicles affected by the recall.

The alleged fix would be performed by Toyota dealership employees at no charge to the customer. The report doesn't mention whether the floor mats would be secured in addition to the pedal shortening, but we're assuming Toyota and Lexus dealers will kill two birds with one stone. Swapping out four million accelerator pedals will probably be a pricey endeavor, but Toyota claims it has saved up $5.6 billion over the years in its recall kitty for just such a rainy day.

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Toyota may 'shorten' gas pedals to fix unintended acceleration issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accelerator pedalAcceleratorPedaltoyota recallToyotaRecall Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/pole-dance-nhtsa-to-add-new-side-impact-crash-test-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/pole-dance-nhtsa-to-add-new-side-impact-crash-test-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/pole-dance-nhtsa-to-add-new-side-impact-crash-test-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

NHTSA side-impact pole test - click above to watch the video

Not satisfied with cars that manage crash forces well enough to avoid spilling your drink, and engines that run so clean they'll barely asphyxiate ants, a new crash test is reportedly coming in the works from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Along with the test will come new dummies and new testing equipment, all of which means it's likely to have a big impact on future car designs. The side-impact pole test will simulate side collisions with objects like trees or telephone poles, a type of accident that current side-impact tests don't accurately simulate.

According to The New York Times, the new test will use a 10-inch round pole that will collide with the car at speeds of up to 20 mph. A 75-degree angle will be used, and the point of impact will be just aft of the A-pillar. Naturally, automakers won't have to pass the test all at once, the standard will be phased in. For 2011, 20 percent of an automaker's fleet will have to meet the standard and by 2014, the pole crash standard will be at 100 percent - all new cars will have to comply.

It's a change that could potentially change the face of auto design, the same way pedestrian impact standards in Europe have led to some peculiar front sheetmetal. Materials changes may also be employed to meet the regulation, with additional high-strength steel being substituted. The more conventional metals currently used are easier to form, while stronger metals require all sorts of hot pressing and tempering to be put into shape. Manufacturing cost will go up, which means prices will probably also increase, or profit will decrease while prices hold steady. Safe cars are a laudable goal, but how safe is safe enough? Follow the jump to see a video of how Ford's 2010 Mustang GT convertible and coupe models fare, then let us know what you think by leaving a comment.

[Source: The New York Times]

Continue reading Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO]

Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crash testcrash test videocrash test videoscrash testingcrash testsCrashTestCrashTestingCrashTestsCrashTestVideoCrashTestVideosfordford mustangford mustang crash testFordMustangFordMustangCrashTestmustangmustang crash testMustangCrashTestnhtsanhtsa standardnhtsa videoNhtsaStandardNhtsaVideopole impact crash testPoleImpactCrashTestvideovideos Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST