At least 103 cases of sudden, uncommanded acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles have been documented in Texas since 2000, mostly involving the popular Toyota Camry and Lexus ES models.

The figures are compiled by Safety Research & Strategies Inc., a private safety advising and consulting service, from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and complaints the firm received directly.

None of the documented cases resulted in fatalities, but the firm said some deadly accidents are still being investigated.

Sean Kane, head of Safety Research, said the organization noticed a rise in Toyota complaints over the years.

“We’ve been monitoring this for a while,” Kane said. “We only really dove in deep in the last year or so.”

He said the Dec. 26 crash in Southlake of a Toyota Avalon that ran into a pond, killing all four people aboard, has not been confirmed as an uncommanded acceleration case and is not included in the Safety Research database.

In many cases the vehicle suddenly accelerates. In others, it accelerates when the driver applies the brakes.

A Dallas attorney representing clients considering lawsuits against Toyota, said there could be a problem with electronic accelerator controls, probably caused by electrical interference.

Here are some cases in Safety Research’s database:

In 2002, Toyota issued a warning about installing two-way radios in its newly redesigned Camry, which could affect electronic controls involving fuel injection, throttle and cruise control, according to Safety Research. In August 2002, Toyota issued a service bulletin to dealers about the electronic control module to address engine surging.

Five people in a 2008 Lexus ES350 near Houston suffered “severe cuts and bruises” when the vehicle accelerated as the driver hit the brakes. The driver swerved to miss other cars, crossed a median and hit small trees before being stopped by a brick wall. Witnesses said the brake lights were on as the car accelerated.

In January 2009, an Austin resident reported that a Lexus IS250 suddenly accelerated from 50 mph to 80 mph and eventually crashed. An examination later showed the brake pads melted from severe heat as the driver tried slow the car.
(original story can be found at www.star-telegram.com)Online: www.safetyresearch.net/toyota-sudden-unintended-acceleration

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