Deadly RAV4 crash, driver blames vehicle, no charges filed

I'll say it again: There are literally too many crashes suggestive of electronically-induced unintended acceleration to keep track of and write about. Yesterday in Great Neck, New York, a 2006 RAV4 took off from a parking lot, crashed into an AT&T office, and killed a woman inside the building. Newsday hastily closed the comments on its article, and a television station in New York is now reporting that the driver says she couldn't stop the vehicle. RAV4s are figuring prominently in runaway vehicle crashes.

Amidst an epidemic of runaway vehicles, it seems police are becoming less likely to charge drivers. I sensed a trend in that direction some time ago, but only for crashes involving no injuries or fatalities. It's extremely significant that no charges are being filed in a runaway crash resulting in a fatality. Judging from the comments on Newsday's article, the public may be starting to realize how ridiculous it is for auto manufacturers to blame drivers when vehicles suddenly speed out of control. One comment made specific reference to the high number of vehicles crashing into buildings; another warned against allowing Toyota to have the say-so regarding what the Electronic Data Recorder (EDR) reveals.

Maybe Toyota's big losses in landmark lawsuits involving unintended acceleration is finally beginning to register with a brainwashed American public. Details are spreading despite the best efforts of presstitute mainstream media to keep incriminating evidence quiet. Toyota has now been found guilty of mechanical as well as electronic defects leading to unintended acceleration, the National Carwash Association is keeping records - Jeeps are notorious - of vehicles prone to suddenly take off, and Honda has admitted to electronic defects associated with unintended acceleration. No brand is immune, yet auto-industry-lapdog NHTSA refuses to address the issue. 

How many more lives will be needlessly lost due to a corporate-controlled government and a cowardly American public that tolerates being kicked around by the 1% and its paid-off legislators?

Updates 3/31/15 - CBS New York has aired the story of this latest RAV4 crash, and comments are being "moderated" with a heavy bias favoring anonymous, name-calling trolls. PEOPLE LIKE ME, WHO GIVE THEIR REAL NAMES AND CONVEY USEFUL INFORMATION, ARE BEING HARASSED, AND THEIR COMMENTS ARE BEING REMOVED.

Updates 4/2/2015 - 
> As if to underscore the frequency of crashes pointing to electronically-induced unintended acceleration - especially in Toyotas - today's headlines featured a Camry crashing into an AutoZone as the vehicle left a - yes, you guessed it - carwash. ONCE AGAIN, COMMENTS -INCLUDING MINE - EXPOSING FACTS ABOUT ELECTRONIC ISSUES ARE BEING BLOCKED. UNWARRANTED CENSORSHIP IS ALIVE AND WELL IN THE "LAND OF THE FREE."

> Another Toyota recall due to electronic/software issues. RAV4 and Camry are on the list.

> Yet ANOTHER Toyota - this time a Lexus - making headlines over the past few days for speeding out of control. As with most runaway crashes, the Lexus took off from a parking lot. This case - as I've said, there are too many to keep up with - confirms that drivers are still being unjustly charged.
   

Dealer speaks out against automakers being allowed to keep defects quiet

> Update 3/1/2015 - GREAT VIDEO by NBC's WRC-TV: Dealer Jack Fitzgerald says that in the past, auto manufacturers have punished him financially for speaking out.
> Update 3/10/2015 - In this article published yesterday, Jack sums things up admirably: "People have lost lives on the road because manufacturers have hidden safety problems by delaying recalls, and forcing dealers to withhold critical information." 
> Update 3/11/2015 - Toyota, GM, and Ford are being sued for concealing the fact that their vehicles are susceptible to hackers wresting control from drivers, and Toyota has announced another recall involving defective software and electronics - this time raising safety issues about transmissions and steering. Wonder if dealerships were ordered to keep quiet about these issues.  

One of the auto industry's most appalling practices involves refusing to inform customers about known defects. Generally speaking, it falls under the heading "secret warranties," and Jack Fitzgerald, president of Fitzgerald's Auto Malls in Maryland is speaking out against the practice. Refusal to divulge defect information to customers is a racket that's been going on for decades.

Mr. Fitzgerald is uniquely qualified to address the issue since his dealership is massive in size and handles all brands. As one would expect, his efforts to promote free speech and full disclosure are being opposed by the auto industry.

Of course, the larger point is that keeping defects secret amounts to fraud, and should have been outlawed long ago at the federal level. The fact that automakers can get away with such crookedness further evidences the fact that our current system of government - local, state, and federal - is controlled not by the people it deceitfully claims to represent, but by powerful special interests such as those associated with the auto industry. Meanwhile, the blood-spattered scandals of murderous corporations like Toyota, GM, Takata, etc. ad nauseum continue unabated as the "Just Us" Department keeps watch to make sure no auto executive winds up in prison.

Were it not for public safety implications, it would be laughable that an auto dealer must ask government for permission to warn customers about manufacturing defects. Mr. Fitzgerald is to be applauded for daring to speak out against such a pervasively corrupt system.

Toyota, trolls, and the government's assault on free speech

Efforts to block readers from visiting this blog have been on the increase lately, epitomized by a recent skirmish with Houston's ABC-13 over a story they cooked up which criticized cops for refusing to file charges against the driver of a runaway Lexus. Granted, operations such as Houston's ABC-13 are privately owned, and from a legal standpoint, permitted to "moderate" discussions as they see fit. Problem is, with rare exception, we have a corporate-controlled mainstream media, fearful of losing broadcast licenses if they cross ol' Sammy, and fearful of losing advertising dollars if they cross corporate interests. Factor in anonymous comments generated by so-called reputation management companies, and it all boils down to making a mockery of a free press, including a deceitful assault on free speech.

The government is too cowardly to limit free speech outright. So it's done the "American Way," with behind-the-scenes maneuvering designed to maintain the appearance of freedom while cleverly placing shackles on those who dare to speak truth. Especially in this age of the Internet.

The government and its mainstream media stooges have been determined to keep word from spreading about evidence galore pointing to electronic defects in Toyota's throttle control. The "Just Us" Department underscored ol' Sammy's unwritten directive with a high-handed "No comment" when a freelance reporter for trade journal EE Times dared to confront Holder's gang with the facts. David Benjamin's EE Times' article exposing what happened ranks in my book as wunna the all-time masterpieces of investigative journalism.

ABC-13's article is typical of the propaganda bandied about under the guise of journalism. Their "legal analyst" feigns ignorance of the electronics issue associated with vehicles speeding out of control, and there's no report of what the Lexus driver said happened. But perhaps the most glaring omission - as ABC-13 spotlights the driver's age - is a discussion of how extremely difficult it is to stop vehicles when electronic defects get the upper hand. A recent seminar at Carnegie-Mellon took a close look at the issue - see slide number 8 - as part of a presentation on electronically-induced unintended acceleration. Notice that brake pressure is normally in the 15 to 43.6 pounds range, whereas a whopping 175 pounds of force is required when vehicles accelerate on their own. Back in 2010, Consumer Reports ran an article, complete with a video, that corroborates Dr. Koopman's presentation. It's preposterous to believe that Houston's ABC-13 is unaware of the facts.

ABC-13's article smacks of a corporate-controlled ploy intended to mislead the public and have a chilling effect on cops declining to charge drivers when vehicles speed out of control. Absence of charges raises questions that admitted crooks like Toyota doesn't want people askin'.

The first response to my comment was an insulting, mindless "reply" from an anonymous source, then came the removal of my comment, while the anonymous blabber - quite likely associated with a troll employed by a reputation management firm - was permitted to remain posted. Here's a copy of my now-deleted comment, and the troll's "reply":

Parris Boyd:
ABC-13 legal analyst Joel Androphy has never heard of electronically-induced unintended acceleration? Especially in Toyotas? Especially in the admitted crook's much-ballyhooed Lexus? Where ya been, Joel? Trying to cover up for the auto industry? ABC should be addressing the epidemic of runaway vehicles crashing into buildings. The Miami Herald dared to discuss the issue. Parking - not age - is the biggest common denominator, and how about telling us what the DRIVER said happened? There's evidence GALORE of electronic defects in Toyota's throttle control, and I've been blogging about it. Search "Beware of Toyota. Their next victim may be YOU..." 

disqus_J5VKk8FJ
Dumb again, Parrisite. Another case of old lady driver error. "The woman, who police said was 70 years old, was not intoxicated according to officers on the scene. Police said she hit the gas instead of the breaks while she was trying to park her Lexus SUV outside the restaurant."

This is not the first time mainstream media in Texas - a state proud to host the new North American headquarters for a murderous, admitted crook like Toyota - has taken exception to my comments and made sure that neither Toyota nor the public read my views. How many other comments get axed in the Lone Star state for being critical of the Coverup King is anyone's guess.

The government's propaganda-censorship game isn't limited to Texas, and this certainly isn't the first time I've written posts about the issue. What's important to realize is that ABC-13's behavior exemplifies the kinda stuff going on all across the country regarding every topic imaginable. Former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Dr. Paul Craig Roberts targets the issue in his latest article, "The Prospect of Nuclear War." Just out of curiosity - not that I have proof of any - I inquired about the cost to protect this blog from Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) Attacks. The bill would come to $3,000 per month. Real hoot, but at least I got a thigh-slappin' laugh out of it. Not to mention a far better appreciation of the costs associated with politically-sensitive websites that make a serious effort at maximizing hits.

Alluding to this sorry state of affairs in his 9/14/2014 call for donations (preface to "Washington's War on Russia"), Dr. Roberts sums things up admirably: "It will not be long before only a masochist will be willing to speak the truth in the United States or in any country of the West."

As word spreads re electronic defects, cops decline to charge the driver of a runaway Lexus

When is admitted-crook Toyota and scandal-soaked NHTSA gonna own up to the facts regarding unintended acceleration? Not long ago, Honda made an admission of electronic defects associated with these events, and now Nissan has reluctantly chimed in with an admission of software defects causing Infinities to unexpectedly take off. It's way past time for Uncle Scam (sic) to get serious about the electronics issue in general, and Coverup King Toyota in particular. There's evidence GALORE of electronic defects in Toyota's throttle control, presented over a year ago when the Coverup King lost the landmark unintended acceleration case in Oklahoma. Thanks to trade journals, bloggers, and comments on social media sites, word has gotten out in spite of the government's silence, and an attempted news blackout by this corporate-controlled government's mainstream media stooges.

As I've mentioned, there are literally too many crashes suggestive of electronically-induced unintended acceleration to keep track of. The Miami Herald addressed the alarming number of vehicles crashing into buildings, but carefully avoided any mention of defective software and the auto industry's refusal to install adequate fail-safes.

Apparently, cops are starting to think twice before charging drivers whose vehicles crash into buildings. News that the driver of a runaway Lexus won't be charged in a devastating crash in Houston is certainly not the first runaway-crash devoid of charges against drivers, but it may well be the first time the absence of such charges - which speaks volumns to informed consumers - has made headlines for an article devoted to blaming the cops. Not charging the drivers of runaway vehicles tends to raise questions; tends to embarrass the scandal-soaked auto industry.

Notice the tantrum thrown by ABC-13's "legal analyst," as he feigns ignorance of the electronics issue. Notice the careful omission of any reference to what the driver said happened, much less a ton of evidence showing how incredibly difficult vehicles are to stop when electronic defects take over. Find my comment below the article and notice the anonymous "reply" - sheer blabber which immediately popped up - by what appears to be a troll from either the government, the auto industry, or a reputation management firm. //Update 11/9/2014 - My comment exposing ABC-13's one-sided reporting of this story and referring readers to this blog was removed shortly after I posted my remarks earlier today. The inane "reply," however, from disqus_opJ5VKk8FJ remains posted.//

I won't belabor the electronics issue. There are plenty of references and discussions elswhere on this blog, and on the Internet.

What an outrage it is that folks are being injured, killed - and in some cases unjustly jailed - all because of a crooked, corporate-controlled government that panders to murderous thugs in the auto industry. Deadly gnition-switches, exploding airbags that sling shrapnel, electronic defects in throttle controls without adequate fail-safes, and it's anybody's guess as to what blood-spattered defect - and coverup - will be revealed next. Meanwhile, the most we get from Repukes and Demagogues is another round of theatrics aimed at making sure nobody at any of these murderous, blood-drenched corporations goes to prison.

This is one sorry excuse for a government. To say it's tyrannical is to understate the case.

Update 11/12/2014 - JUST IN: At 7:06 PM EST (see 11/10/2014 update), Detroit News reported that GM CEO Mary Barra will not be receiving the award. Public outcry, organized by Laura Gipe Christian, founder of "GM Recall Survivors" prevailed quickly. 

Update 11/10/2014 - BREAKING NEWS on the ignition-switch scandal: E-mails that GM wanted kept secret have now been released - thanks to attorney Bob Hilliard - that raise justifiable questions regarding the much-ballyhooed "innocence" of GM CEO Mary Barra. Stay tuned as the founder of "GM Recall Survivors" takes aim at the National Womens History Museum and a senate sub-committee over Barra being presented with an award based on safety.

Update 11/9/2014 - HOT OFF THE PRESS: Just over an hour ago, USA Today's editorial board published a scathing review of the airbag fiasco.

Another runaway RAV4 - my comments blocked

My 6/3/2014 post addressed the spectacular crash - caught on video - of a runaway RAV4 plowing into New York's Finkelstein Memorial Library from the parking lot.

Few days ago, there was another runaway RAV4 speeding out of control from a parking lot, this time crashing into a public building in Towson, Maryland. Mainstream media has been very careful not to discuss what the driver said happened, and Baltimore's WBAL-TV repeatedly blocked by comments exposing electronics issues associated with unintended acceleration.

In a situation raising concerns of electronic defects, cops have charged the 48-year-old RAV4 driver with "failure to control speed to avoid a collision," which, as cops know or certainly should know, is a tough rap to beat since black box (EDR) data has been shown to be unreliable when it comes to detecting instances of electronic malfunctions in throttle controls. As electrical engineer Dr. Antony Anderson says, "Absence of proof is not proof of absence," and it's worth noting that neither of these RAV4 crashes involved elderly drivers. My (blocked) remarks went something like this:

Maybe the cops should check with a few carwashes, since at least one has been keeping a list of vehicles subject to unintended acceleration. And I wish WBAL would tell us what the driver of the RAV4 said happened. Read "Toyota's killer firmware: Bad design and its consequences." Embedded systems expert Michael Barr found electronic defects galore, resulting in a guilty verdict in the landmark unintended acceleration case last October in Oklahoma:

* Toyota's electronic throttle control system (ETCS) source code is of unreasonable quality.

* Toyota's source code is defective and contains bugs, including bugs that can cause unintended acceleration (UA).

* Code-quality metrics predict presence of additional bugs.

* Toyota's fail-safes are defective and inadequate (referring to them as a 'house of cards' safety architecture).

* Misbehaviours of Toyota's ETCS are a cause of UA.

While runaway vehicles most often involve Toyotas, Mr. Barr's findings raise questions about the reliability of electronic throttle controls in all brands. Drivers attempting to park or exit parking spaces is the most frequent setting for events that suggest electronic defects. While such events can happen at any time, the usual scenario is characterized by very low speed, driver's foot likely on the brake, when the vehicle suddenly takes off like a rocket. As the auto industry - supported by its friends at NHTSA - tries to delay being required to implement failsafes mandated for years in the airline industry, vehicles crashing into buildings from parking lots has reached epidemic proportions. I've been blogging about the electronics issue - search "Beware of Toyota. Their next victim may be YOU..."

When I tried to post the comment, a message advised me to "hold on" while my comment awaited approval. Next day, the comment hadn't appeared so I submitted a followup, which, of course, was not published nor did I expect it to be:

C'mon, WBAL. Quit censoring my comments exposing electronics issues associated with unintended acceleration, especially in Toyotas. And tell us what the DRIVER of the RAV4 said happened. This corporate-controlled government and its mainstream media stooges sure get nervous when the truth comes out. Visit my blog, "Beware of Toyota. Their next victim may be YOU..."

WBAL - as is usually the case in news coverage of these types of accidents - seems afraid to mention the likelihood of electronic defects causing vehicles to speed out of control, especially in parking lots. And I'd be willing to bet that's the reason driver accounts of what happened are usually missing from these "stories." Driver statements might alert the public to a pattern and focus attention on defective electronic throttle controls instead of "driver error." Folks might start to suspect that the government is just a front for crooked corporate interests...

Meanwhile, admitted-crook Toyota has gone into tantrum mode over folks spreading the word about evidence pointing to electronic defects causing unintended acceleration. A court is allowing a gang of Toyota's pricey, big shot attorneys to harass Toyota whistleblower Betsy Benjaminson by issuing a subpoena requiring the single mother of four to travel over 7,000 miles for a deposition on 8/20/2014. She's been ordered to produce a number of documents and reveal all communications she had with 20 people, many of whom have taken high profile positions claiming Toyota's unintended acceleration problems are associated with electronic defects. Toyota's targets include folks who helped thwart the government's efforts at a news blackout regarding Michael Barr's findings, such as EE Times journalist Junko Yoshida and outspoken electrical engineer Dr. Antony Anderson. Also named is NASA physicist Dr. Henning Leidecker. He embarassed not only Toyota but also NHTSA by daring to warn the public of increased risk of unintended acceleration in '02-'06 Camrys due to "tin whiskers" growing in the pedal sensors.

Nuthin' like freedom of speech.

Update 8/4/2014 - Attorneys who won the landmark unintended acceleration case against Toyota last October in Oklahoma have been nominated for the 2014 Public Justice Trial Lawyer of the Year award. MUST SEE video: Their law firm's founder, Jere Beasley, says "We had internal e-mails from Toyota where they were admitting that they had problems with the computer system."  

Update 8/6/2014 - Yesterday's article, "Evidence Toyota Knew of Defective Break Override System Allowed in Florida Man’s Catastrophic Vehicular Injury Trial"

Shhh... sudden unintended acceleration complaints are continuing

In light of renowned embedded systems expert Michael Barr finding bugs in Toyota's electronic throttle control software that could cause sudden unintended acceleration, we now get to the crux of the matter. Have the defects been corrected?

With the Recall King insisting that the Oklahoma jury got it wrong (despite that pesky evidence of 150 feet of skid marks from the plaintiff's tires), and a corporate-controlled mainstream media concealing Michael Barr's findings, Toyota is hoping that a gullible public will believe there isn't anything to correct. The situation is similar to what happened regarding engines suddenly disintegrating in MR2 Spyders.

Toyota stonewalls, big media - most notably, perhaps, Consumer Reports - shys away from addressing the issue, and owners are left with depleted bank accounts and unsatisfactory vehicles. Pretty much the same with all those oil-sludged engines, and the list goes on. In a corporate-controlled police state, it's best to be wary of repercussions. What on earth would Big Brother do if it weren't for a tail-tucked citizenry? Nothin' like a cooperative effort...

NHTSA, as Shawn Kane notes, "walked away from the (sudden unintended acceleration) problem in 2010. The agency pressured Toyota into floor mat and sticky accelerator pedals, collected millions in recall timeliness fines and never addressed the technical problem." Adding insult to injury, NHTSA proceded to set things up with NASA, then disingenuously claimed that NASA had laid the matter to rest. As facts come to light about a hamstrung NASA coming nowhere near settling the issue - and having said so - it's obvious who corporate stooge NHTSA is lookin' out for, and it ain't the consumer.

Real hoot watchin' NHTSA, mainstream media, and Toyota try to ignore Michael Barr's findings and the guilty verdict in Oklahoma as complaints keep pourin' in about Toyotas suddenly accelerating out of control. Few days ago, an interesting comment appeared (BrianPaul, 03-01-2014, 03:37 PM) on a website for fans of the RAV4 (which lately has had software issues beyond sudden unintended acceleration). Reminds ya of those song words "now I'm a believer," and is consistent with complaints on NHTSA's website. Read it and weep. Here's an excerpt:

When the “sudden acceleration” issue with Toyota vehicles was all over the news, I was not concerned because I assumed it was user error. I remember my boss saying to me, “you’re not afraid to drive your Camry?” I told my boss that it’s just a bunch of idiots who are stepping on the gas by mistake, or people trying to get money from Toyota. Now that I’ve had this happen, I realize what a fool I was! I was so proud of the Toyota vehicles I own that I wouldn’t even consider that such a problem exists.

Of course, the RAV4 website didn't dare publish my comment. RAV4World.com's attitude seems to be if the guy who's now wanting more information about sudden unintended acceleration (and who in his shoes wouldn't?) doesn't get any, that's tough. The RAV4 website (is it run by Toyota?) musn't offend the Recall King.

Meanwhile, the ol' Recall King is tryin' to buy - talkin' moola in excess of a billion dollars - an end to the federal criminal investigation involving reporting procedures for sudden unintended acceleration. And I'm bettin' the Recall King is gonna get away with it, complete with confidentiality agreements and no admissions of wrongdoing.

After all, the sudden unintended acceleration issue only involves people's lives.

Software-related recalls, police-state press, federal criminal investigation being bought off

No wonder renowned software expert Michael Barr found bugs in Toyota's software causing sudden unintended acceleration. Toyota's latest recalls involve defective software in the Prius, RAV4, Tacoma, and Lexus RX350. Some of the software issues affect anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control. Meanwhile, Toyota is in talks with NHTSA regarding another recall involving computer-related brake problems in Camry Hybrids. Software glitches galore. Whew.

Sayin' Recall King Toyota is now in "settlement mode" is an understatement. Toyota is apparently on the verge of forkin' over sumpthin' in the range of a billion dollars to put an end to the federal criminal investigation - begun four years ago - into Toyota's reporting procedures - or the lack thereof - regarding sudden unintended acceleration.

Actions speak louder than words. After the guilty verdict in the Oklahoma sudden unintended acceleration case, the Recall King rushes into court seeking a "global" settlement for hundreds of remaining civil suits involving sudden unintended acceleration. And now there's this sudden interest in concluding the federal criminal investigation involving not only reporting procedures, but also such niceties as lying to Congress, mail fraud, wire fraud, and whether stockholders were misled. Of course, mainstream media reports regarding another billion dollar settlement carefully omit any mention of Michael Barr findings, and Reuters banned me from commenting - on any of their articles - long ago.

It looks like Toyota will again be permitted to settle up without any troublesome guilty pleas or admitting to any wrongdoing. Might as well go all the way if yer gonna let someone buy their way out of a criminal investigation. And the issue of ongoing instances of sudden unintended acceleration - have software revisions, safeguards, etc. been put in place? - is being buried along with Michael Barr's findings. Amidst a barrage of misleading media reports, I applaud Mr. Barr for setting the record straight - especially insofar as the much ballyhooed "NASA investigation" is concerned - by publishing an update regarding Toyota's sudden unintended acceleration issue. As he points out, reports of sudden unintended acceleration in Toyotas are continuing.

Really, folks. If Toyota behaves in such a manner regarding undisputed safety issues, how have they been behaving about such things as oil-sludged engines and those pesky pre-cat problems - costing customers the better part of $10,000 - in MR2 Spyders? There's been a news blackout for years regarding thousands of signatures petitioning Akio to make amends for unresolved oil sludge issues.

Why should anyone be allowed to buy their way out of a criminal investigation? Mainstream media efforts to mislead the public about Toyota are poppin' up everywhere, with glaring omissions about the evidence Michael Barr found that led to the billion dollar Toyota economic loss settlement in December of 2012 - the largest such settlement in automotive history - and the guilty verdict last October in the sudden unintended acceleration case in Oklahoma. Revelations regarding the findings of an internationally acclaimed software expert (along with any mention of that pesky evidence of 150 feet of skid marks from the Oklahoma plaintiff's tires) are left to casual bloggers, trade journals, and a few comments on the Internet.

A prime example of the kinda sheer hogwash bein' bandied about by mainstream media is this putrid peice of "journalism" by Forbes staffer Daniel Fisher. What's "begged" is the question, "Do we really want to tolerate a corporate-controlled media instead of a free press?" Fisher n Forbes - "a jury's whim" indeed - don't dare discuss Michael Barr's findings. Not even a mention of his name. In the comments - at least they let me join in - I was "called out" by Mr. Fisher for referring to Mr. Barr's findings and the ongoing news blackout. Certainly better than the reaction I got from USA Today and Bloomberg. Bloomberg n USA Today simply removed my comment. Whenever I put the cursor in the comment box on USA Today's website, the word "false" would briefly appear. I encountered similar things years ago on Twitter when I started sending out tweets critical of Toyota.

Don't view this YouTube video on a full stomach if you're aware of Michael Barr's recent findings. Fox News' "interview" is repulsively theatrical, aimed at making the public think there's no evidence of bugs in Toyota's software causing sudden unintended acceleration.

Take a close look at what Michael Barr has to say about his findings, and check out his credentials. Is anyone surprised that Toyota is runnin' scared?

What you aren't supposed to know about Toyota's software (and hardware) causing sudden unintended acceleration

"Although the investigation focused almost entirely on software, there is at least one HW factor: Toyota claimed the 2005 Camry's main CPU had error detecting and correcting (EDAC) RAM. It didn't. EDAC, or at least parity RAM, is relatively easy and low-cost insurance for safety-critical systems." Michael Dunn, "Toyota's killer firmware: Bad design and its consequences"

Amidst computer-related problems galore prompting this week's recalls (Prius along with a number of other models), there's a few articles from Michael Barr's peers providing a detailed look at why the Oklahoma jury was justified in returning a verdict of guilty in what's now being referred to as a "landmark" case of sudden unintended acceleration, and why the jury underscored their conclusion by stating that Toyota acted with "reckless disregard" in its response to its electronic throttle control. Michael Barr's findings were corroborated by 150 feet of skid marks from Bookout's tires.

One of the best peer-group articles I found is "Toyota's killer firmware: Bad design and its consequences," by Michael Dunn. I'll call it article A. Further revelations can be expected at the upcoming EE Times conference which will feature presentations - including the keynote address - from Michael Barr himself.

It's downright alarming to compare article A (from EDN Network) with the presstitute media's misleading blabber, epitomized by Paul Barrett's hack job via no less of a media mogul than Bloomberg. I'll call that piece article B. Both articles came out shortly after the Oklahoma trial ended.

The Barrett/Bloomberg blabber is precisely that. No mention of the name Michael Barr. A feigned ignorance of those 150 feet of skid marks from Bookout's tires. Gibberish designed to brainwash rather than inform. "Should judges be allowing plaintiffs' lawyers to continue pressing the issue in court?" opines the mogul-backed Barrett. Pure, unadulterated garbage.

Problem is, it's not just Barrett and Bloomberg protecting the Recall King at the public's expense. It's the entire mainstream media gang. The kinda stuff that prompted former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Dr. Paul Craig Roberts to remark that "Anyone who wastes their time on the US media is a brainwashed idiot, a danger to humanity." (see "America Totally Discredited") For some strange reason, Bloomberg, Reuters, USA Today, and Minnesota's Star Tribune block my comments.

Compare the two articles. Get a proper perspective on Toyota's current rush to settle hundreds of remaining cases outside of court. Discern Toyota's underlying motive in buying their way out of the current federal criminal investigation as to how they handled complaints of sudden unintended acceleration. Get a firsthand look at how the U.S. media accomplishes mass indoctrination.

Blaming sudden unintended acceleration on driver error, floor mats, etc. is a well-orchestrated scam that's been goin' on for decades. Published after the landmark trial in Oklahoma, Tom Murray brings us up to date - including the government's longstanding efforts to protect the auto industry - in his 11/27/2013 book, "Deadly by Design." For another informative read, check out "The Myth of Driver Error."

The "land of the free" has become a corporate-controlled nightmare.

NEWS BLACKOUT re bugs in Toyota's software causing sudden unintended acceleration

"Anyone who wastes their time on the US media is a brainwashed idiot, a danger to humanity." Dr. Paul Craig Roberts, former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, from his article, "America Totally Discredited."

National disgrace when consumers have to depend on trade journals, bloggers, and social media for the facts. Especially when it's a matter of life and death.

Renowned computer expert Michael Barr spent 18 months examining Toyota's software relevant to sudden unintended acceleration. His findings convinced an Oklahoma jury to find Toyota guilty, underscored with a declaration that the Recall King acted with "reckless disregard" in its response to a faulty electronic throttle system. The jury was ready to calculate punitive damages when the Recall King suddenly saw fit to settle, avoiding what may well have been punishment consistent with the kinda stuff levied against big tobacco. The kinda stuff Toyota's friends in Congress and NHTSA shoulda come up with years ago. Punishment based on the wealth of the corporation as opposed to amplified slaps on wrist designed to wow the average consumer. A gang like Toyota needs what they were likely on the verge of gettin' in Oklahoma: a woodsheddin' in the billions 'steada the millions.

The Recall King is hastily moving to settle hundreds of remaining cases - can anyone imagine why? - in a "global settlement" given the green light by our ever vigilant legal system. Conjures up recollections of corrupt corporations too big to fail, surviving at the public's expense. But this time, more than money is at stake.

An at-risk public has a right to know about the incriminating evidence Mr. Barr found. Especially since other computer experts are speaking out in favor of his conclusions. This is not the time for silence in the name of protecting Toyota. This is the time for fundamental fairness to the public. As with engine failures in MR2 Spyders, such fairness certainly hasn't been offered by Toyota. And regarding sudden unintended acceleration, not by Congress, and not by NHTSA. Dirty rotten shame when the taxpayin' public has to uncover facts and seek recourse through expensive, time-consuming, emotionally draining lawsuits because government agencies are beholden to the industries they're presumably set up to regulate.

Where is our "free" press? Why haven't there been lengthy articles focusing on the gist of what happened in Oklahoma? Headlines making sure an at-risk public can put in proper perspective Toyota's sudden rush to settle hundreds of remaining lawsuits involving sudden unintended acceleration. Adding insult to injury, a USA Today article - ostensibly addressing Toyota's current problems with heated seats - made it sound like the sudden unintended acceleration issue had been conclusively related to nothing more than driver error, floor mats and sticking gas pedals. Hard to believe such stories - how many more are being circulated? - are published out of ignorance. I sent e-mails to reporters with Minnesota's Pioneer Press and Star Tribune newspapers, both of which took keen interest when efforts were made to get local resident Koua Fong Lee out of prison after his Toyota sped out of control, people died, and the economically challenged immigrant was railroaded. I suggested followups informing the public of Michael Barr's findings and any bearing they might have on Lee's lawsuit, which the Recall King is trying to get dismissed. My e-mails were ignored. Reuters continues to ban me from commenting, and then there's this "story" about the University of Iowa's $17.2 million "driving safety research" grant. Another bona fide hack job, making it appear as though sudden unintended acceleration is all about driver error. No mention of Michael Barr's findings, and no reply to my e-mail explaining that it's time for media to quit focusing on "driver error." The "grant," incidentally, came via Toyota's "settlement" for economic loss claims over sudden unintended acceleration. And that settlement too was prompted by Michael Barr's findings.

In a superb article, "Toyota's killer firmware: Bad design and its consequences," Michael Dunn, writing for engineering journal Design News, provides a summary of Mr. Barr's findings:

• Toyota’s electronic throttle control system (ETCS) source code is of unreasonable quality.
• Toyota’s source code is defective and contains bugs, including bugs that can cause unintended acceleration (UA).
• Code-quality metrics predict presence of additional bugs.
• Toyota’s fail safes are defective and inadequate (referring to them as a “house of cards” safety architecture).
• Misbehaviors of Toyota’s ETCS are a cause of UA.

In what sense, pray tell, do we have a "free" press?

It will be interesting to see the "presstitute" media's response - or lack thereof - to the upcoming EE Times conference featuring a keynote address by none other than Michael Barr himself. Evidence of the respect Mr. Barr's colleagues have for his conclusions about Toyota's software. An occasion that should make national news, top spot. But don't hold your breath.

Next thing ya know, it'll be said that America is nothin' more than a tacky little corporate-controlled police state.

Update 2/7/2014 - Thanks to #Whistleblower Daily News for headlining this post.

Update 2/10/2014 - Toyota is reported to be on the verge of a billion dollar settlement to end the federal criminal investigation involving reporting procedures for sudden unintended acceleration complaints, concerns about mail fraud, wire fraud, and whether stockholders were misled. Nothin' like buyin' yer way outta hot water. Stay tuned.

Update 2/11/2014 - Minnesota's Star Tribune newspaper - referenced in this blog post - is refusing to publish a comment I submitted this morning (it's now 4:50 PM EST) exposing the news blackout regarding Michael Barr finding bugs in Toyota's software causing sudden unintended acceleration.

Updates 2/12/2014 -
> Software problems have now prompted a major Prius recall. Other models are also on the list, and some of the issues involve SKID control. Toyota's software problems sure are lending credence to Michael Barr's findings. Bloomberg has removed a comment I made to that effect a few moments ago regarding their article about the Prius recall. Bloomberg's censorship of my comments is nothin' new.  

> My comment putting Toyota's current software problems in proper perspective re USA Today's article is being repeatedly removed. Toyota can't stand the truth. 

Bloomberg covers for Toyota in sudden unintended acceleration case - blocks me from commenting

Last Friday, I e-mailed Paul Barrett - the presstitute media guy who wrote the one-sided, hand-wringin' article misrepresenting the facts about Toyota - that I was unable to log in to post comments on his article. I also filled out one of Bloomberg's online feedback forms and told them about the problems I was having getting logged in. Frankly, I had forgotten about Bloomberg's previous censorship (removal) of my comments about Toyota. Came across my earlier blog post quite by accident.

As of today, I continue to be blocked from posting comments on Mr. Barrett's sleazy article. I tried using Disqus, clicked icons for my Facebook, Twitter, and Google accounts, and everything still goes haywire.

Is there a method to Bloomberg's madness?

Any comments regarding Barrett's article were a long time coming. Kinda strange. Then Dr. Antony Anderson's superb rebuttal showed up. After a couple of days, one other comment critical of Toyota appeared. Meanwhile, I was discussing the weird comment situation with a friend. I speculated that trolls were staying quiet in an effort to avoid drawing attention to the Oklahoma case and the facts regarding Toyota being found guilty in a sudden unintended acceleration event. Facts about the Oklahoma case, highlighting Toyota - and NHTSA's - culpability in sudden unintended acceleration were startin' to come out, spreading like wildfire all over the Internet, including my blog.

Interestingly enough, an anonymous effort to rebut a comment I published (11/8/2013 3:28:01 PM) tried to convince me (11/8/2013 3:54:47 PM) - "Two million blogs will do nothing !" - that blogging about Toyota wouldn't make any difference. Of course, I replied (11/8/2013 6:02:12 PM) that such activities do make a difference, which is why businesses - especially coverup operations like Toyota - hire so-called "reputation management" companies to steer conversations, post fake reviews, etc. I referenced a recent court case involving a gang of corporate hirees gettin' sued for posting such garbage on Edmonds.com

Wouldn't ya know it? Today, a barrage of anonymous comments - including blabber attempting to defend Toyota - have suddenly appeared regarding Barrett's article. And I still can't get logged in...

Isn't it a shame that corporate-controlled America doesn't have a free press?

Another recall. Bloomberg ignores evidence of Toyota's software causing sudden unintended acceleration

Toyota's 2013 recall parade is marchin' right along. This time, it's defective valve springs in pickups and SUVs that can cause an engine to stop running. And this is not the first time the Recall King has found valve springs to be a manufacturing challenge. Amidst a 2010 valve-spring recall, a YouTube video appeared - along with an article on AutoBlog.com - addressing Toyota's problem with those pesky valve springs. C'mon, Recall King. Do tell. What's really going on with those springs?

Might cause an engine to stop running? What a hoot. For years, there have been formal complaints and postings all over the Internet about engines suddenly disintegrating in MR2 Spyders, and the Recall King hasn't seen fit to do anything other than stonewall. But of course, MR2 Spyders - unlike pickups and SUVs - are limited production vehicles, and this puts their owners at an extreme disadvantage when dealing with a corporate slob like Toyota. Lousy products and an equally lousy attitude toward customers. And talk about deceptive advertising. It's kinda hard to "Go Places" when your engine won't run. Even harder when your bank account has been depleted by the better part of $10,000...

Meanwhile, the "presstitute" media (as former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Dr. Paul Craig Roberts calls it) is rushing to Toyota's aid now that an Oklahoma jury has handed down a guilty verdict in a sudden unintended acceleration case. Enter this one-sided, hand-wringin' article from Bloomberg, bemoaning the way courts are allowing lawsuits to proceed against poor ol' Toyota. Is anyone fooled? I've been blocked from commenting - weird things happen when I try to log in - and this is not the first time I've had problems getting comments published by Bloomberg. Fortunately, noted electrical engineer Dr. Antony Anderson submitted a comment offering a fantastic rebuttal to Paul Barrett's sheer blabber. Here's an excerpt from Dr. Anderson's remarks:  

"If (Toyota) had fitted kill switches, very few people would have been killed and there would have been little or no litigation. Weeping crocodile tears 'about the individuals and families of anyone in an accident involving one of our vehicles' is no substitute for killing sudden accelerations stone dead with a device that will restrict fuel supply or air to the engine in an emergency."  

Facts are starting to emerge - much of the technical data revealed in the Oklahoma trial is still secret - about Toyota's well-orchestrated efforts to conceal pertinent information about their Electronic Control Throttle System (ECTS) and their refusal to install relatively simple safety measures. The Recall King, NHTSA, and presstitute media gang is gettin' nervous.

Toyota's ad, "Let's Go Places" should include the kind of places you're liable to go if you purchase their products. The hospital, perhaps? Court? Or how about prison? Just ask Koua Fong Lee.

CNN censors my comments

I figured I'd been blacklisted a short while back when I attempted to post a comment critical of the Marines for gunning down unarmed men (one in a wheelchair), women, and children - including a two year old toddler - at Haditha, Iraq. Despite e-mails goin' back and forth for days twixt me and CNN - talk about a runaround - somehow CNN never did manage to get me logged in.

Now this.

I saw CNN's story about a late breaking disclosure regarding Recall King Toyota's ongoing problems with sudden, unintended acceleration, scanned the comments, and noticed that - strangely enough - I was already logged in. Cautiously optimistic that a previous glitch had been corrected, I submitted a somewhat less than favorable comment about the ol' Recall King, and sure-enough-wouldn't-ya-know-it a message popped up that the comment had to be moderated before being posted. Recalling my experience with Reuters, I expected the comment to be censored. Just to make sure, I monitored for awhile, and yes - good ol' free speech lovin' America was on the move again. COMMENT CENSORED.

Of course, I'll expose such blatant repression to some degree by bloggin' about it and spreading the word otherwise as best I can. Bottom line is that Internet censorship demonstrates American cowardice and deceit. The same kinda stuff that's responsible for lettin' a bunch like Toyota kick folks around in the first place.

For cryin' out loud, Uncle Sam: If the "home of the brave" is gonna have free speech, let's have it. If not, at least have guts enough to say so.

Update 3/2/2012 - I submitted three additional "comments" to CNN: #1, a link to this blog post, #2, a copy of my Facebook post, and #3, a copy of my tweet. Of course, none were published, but I think CNN got the message. 

Bloomberg removes my comments re GT 86

Toyota just can't stand the truth. Now that some of the Recall King's lousy products and obscene attitudes toward customers has been exposed, there's an air of desperation as this sorry excuse for a business seeks to recapture those good ol' days when consumers were less wary of the brand. And mainstream media, from industry giants to those less notable, are rushing to Toyota's aid. Coverup is the name. Censorship is the game.

Things are really heatin' up now that Toyota has partnered with Subaru in an effort to produce another sports car. The last thing Toyota needs is publicity about all those MR2 Spyder engines that suddenly disintegrated and Toyota's determination to stonewall the matter hoping it would eventually go away. So what if customers lost - and continue to lose - thousands of dollars on engine replacements? So what if the things fall apart at speed in heavy traffic? "So what?" says the Recall King. We got a new effort goin' now. A new model we've been callin' the FT-86 which we're now callin' the GT 86 (Scion FR-S). Definitely the time to keep it quiet about all those engine failures in MR2 Spyders.

Just think of the embarrassment it would be if Toyota had to recall a whole slew of MR2 Spyders just when they're tryin' to introduce another sports car. Not to worry. Its mainstream media to the rescue. To begin with, I noticed a flurry of "articles" singin' the praises of the GT 86 (formerly FT-86) but no comments were permitted. One of those "articles" came via Bloomberg, and I sent an e-mail to the reporter and the editor expressing my displeasure. Then I noticed the same article had also appeared in Bloomberg's BusinessWeek section, comments were allowed, and a comment I submitted had been published. So I fired off apologies. But alas. I spoke too soon. Wouldn't ya know it? My comment was removed, and a second entry was also removed.

Apologies to Bloomberg retracted, but here's the deal. I really hit a nerve when I started commenting about the GT 86 and referencing engines disintegrating in MR2 Spyders. After a mere handful of auto news websites published my comments, visits to this blog literally soared, topping 85 hits almost immediately. That's the deal, and here's the question: Instead of censoring comments, why haven't mainstream media giants such as Bloomberg - not to mention Consumer Reports - exposed all those engine failures in MR2 Spyders?

Its time for Recall King Toyota and their cohorts in mainstream media to clean up their act.

Update 11/28/2011 - Facebook has blocked a link to this post from appearing in real-time Public Posts, and apparently Facebook is also playin' games with the excerpt from the article that ordinarily appears when links to articles are posted on one's page. The excerpt section was inoperable for this blog post, but still appeared for an article I drafted linking to another media source. Note also that real-time Public Posts on Facebook are searchable via other venues such as Openbook and Bing, so Facebook's censorship tactics in this regard are more sinister than one might think. 

Wired for censorship

Here we go again. As visits to this blog approach the 10,000 mark (probably closer to 13,000 if you include visits before the counter was installed), there seems to be an increase in efforts to censor comments I submit on articles regarding Toyota.

The latest instance bears an eerie resemblance to the censorship by Reuters. Last week, I read an article published by an outfit called Wired.com and decided to comment on Toyota's absurd marketing program whereby a woman was literally terrorized and has now won a court decision allowing her lawsuit to go forward. As with Reuters, I initially had difficulty logging in, even if I tried to do so using my Facebook or other accounts. After requesting password assistance, I finally got logged in, submitted my comment, and got the "comment subject to moderation" message. The comment was blocked, and submitted a second time with the same result.

So I e-mailed a complaint titled "Censorship re 9/12/11 Toyota cyberstalking article" to Kim Zetter, the person who wrote the article, stating "My comment was blocked, and I find this totally inexcusable, especially after reviewing some of the comments that were approved. If moderators are going to block comments, they should start with those that contain four letter filth and various other forms of offensive language." Interestingly enough, Zetter is billed as a "senior reporter at Wired covering cybercrime, privacy, security, and civil liberties." Emphasis most certainly mine.

Apparently, Zetter either didn't get the message, was too busy to reply, or agrees with the decision not to publish my comment. Whatever. At this time, still no replies.

Beware of Wired. They're the kinda folks who apparently don't see anything objectionable about anonymous commentary spouting four letter filth and insults, but are willing to block comments stated in a businesslike manner, devoid of obscenities, and accompanied by the writer's real name. Blatant, inexcusable censorship has become business as usual in America. And that's a real shame.

Update 9/20/2011 - I dropped wired.com a link to this post via another comment, and of course I got the "subject to moderation" notice. No problem this time. I think they'll get the message.
Update 9/20/2011 - Facebook has censored this post from Posts to Public. Glad I got it out on Twitter.

Reuters, closed session summits, and Toyota

If there's any so-called news organization I'd hate to have to depend on for facts, it would be Reuters.  So it caught my eye when I read that Reuters was sponsoring a "Rebuilding Japan Summit," featuring "closed door on-the-record sessions."  My interest was further piqued when I read Reuters' summit report publicizing comments by Toyota Executive Vice President Yukitoshi Funo.  The report offered a rosey assessment of the company, omitting items such as recalls totalling 14 million units, record setting government fines for delays in reporting defects, a federal grand jury investigation, and a zillion lawsuits alleging coverup.  Is this kind of "summit" genuine journalism?  Or a cleverly contrived form of censorship? 

Lately it seems there's been a sudden surge in mainstream media articles intent on ignoring facts and portraying the Recall King as some sort of innocent bystander.  Meanwhile, the Toyota defect parade marches on with numerous recent recalls and the punishment of an engineer-turned-whistleblower in Vietnam.  Guess I musta missed Reuters' "coverage" of the situation in Vietnam. 

What Toyota, Japan, and the good ol' U.S.A. needs is something along the line of a "Toyota Engine Failure Summit" featuring reps from MR2 clubs along with past and present Spyder owners who lost thousands when their engines suddenly fell apart.  Anyone who signed the ongoing oil sludge petition would also be invited to tell their stories regarding Toyota's "class action settlement." Bigwigs from Toyota, a few select congressmen, and representatives from the Department of Transportation would be on hand to field concerns, assured that the entire event would be nationally televised.

Somehow, I don't think that's the kind of summit Reuters would like to see.

Reuters bans my comments re Toyota

Reuters news organization has informed me that my account has been "banned from commenting."  This comes as no shock, because Reuters has previously removed my remarks regarding Toyota.  This is, however, the first time I've been banned per se from expressing my opinion on a website.

The way Reuters' ban came about is interesting.  A few weeks ago, I submitted a comment critical of the Recall King.  It was published, but immediately removed.  I resubmitted a time or two with the same result, whereupon I exposed Reuters' blatant censorship on Twitter and Facebook and submitted copies of the posts to Reuters via another comment, which, of course was never published nor did I expect it to be.  Apparently, however, Reuters took notice.

Yesterday, I submitted a comment on Reuters' article regarding Toyota's latest recall of 333,000 units - RAV4s and Highlanders - for an airbag defect.  What I immediately encountered was difficulty signing in, even if I used my Facebook account.  So I finally requested password assistance and got logged on.  Then I submitted a comment rakin' Toyota over well deserved coals for their never ending parade of defects.  But unlike before, the comment wasn't published, even temporarily.  Instead, I got a message that the comment would be "moderated."  Apparently, that's Reutersese for "censored."

So I waited an hour or two - not expectin' much - and again fired off a complaint tweet and a post on Facebook exposin' Reuters' rebuff of free speech.  Then - like before - I attempted to send Reuters copies, and that's when I immediately got the message that my account had been banned from commenting.  Yessir, I'll bet ol' Reuters already knew about me exposin' 'em again on Facebook and Twitter, and decided to throw a tantrum by just flat out bannin' my remarks altogether.  "That'll teach the guy to get smart with a kingpin of mainstream media such as Reuters."

If it weren't for serious issues of free speech, Reuters' childish response to my opinions about Toyota would be downright funny.  Do they wish to control the dissemination of newsworthy information?  Or is it merely hubris confounding common sense in the age of the Internet?  Hard to say at this point, but it sure makes a body wonder what kinda relationship Reuters has with Toyota.

Rest assured, Reuters, that I'm not anywhere close to intimidated.  I'll be exposin' the likes of you and Toyota every chance I get.

Update 4/23/2011 - Reuters must have complained to Facebook, because when I referenced this blog post, Facebook blocked the information from Posts by Everyone.

Update 4/24/2011 - Today I referenced this blog post again on Facebook, and the reference was published in Posts by Everyone.

Toyota a liability for Lotus, FT-86

With all those engine failures in MR2 Spyders, no wonder Toyota is relying on Subaru for the engine in the still anticipated finale of the FT-86 (Scion FR-S).  But as Toyota partners with Subaru and ventures once again into sports car land, informed consumers will also contemplate such things as Toyota's botched job designing MR2 hood releases. And now that Toyota has become somewhat less than a paragon of quality, we learn that sports car legend Lotus has been catchin' criticism from customers because of its involvement with the Recall King.

Frankly, I've always thought it strange that Lotus would link up with Toyota, even though - as I understand it - the Recall King's engines are not exactly stock by the time Lotus gives 'em a goin' over. Nonetheless, Lotus has now decided to quit with the Toyota engines. Right on for "Engine by Lotus. From scratch. Honest."

Since word got out about all those stonewalled engine failures in MR2 Spyders, Toyota seems to have a flair for teamin' up with other brands when it comes to sports cars. But I'm bettin' lots of folks see things the same way I do. Havin' been fooled once by Toyota's efforts to produce a sports car, I'm no longer impressed by anything Toyota is involved in, and certainly not the FT-86. Especially that often-loaded-with-bugs first year model. Among other things, co-partner Subaru is suddenly departing from its longstanding practice of only producing vehicles with all wheel drive.

Maybe Toyota could get Lotus to do the bodywork, chassis, and drivetrain. Then with Subaru doin' the engine... But wait. Where would Toyota come in? No problem. Just put the Recall King in charge of advertising. But by all means, keep 'em away from those floor mats.

Note: A weird thing happened when I linked to a Consumer Reports FT-86 article via a Twitter "Top Tweet" and tried to post a comment. A pop-up appeared, "We're sorry, we cannot accept this data." Such a delight. Nothin' like open communications. Thought for a minute there I was being censored.

Update 11/27/11 - Leave it to Toyota to spawn years of teaser type marketing and then spring a last minute name change to GT 86. Ho hum. Another front engined monstrosity weighing in at 2,662 pounds complete with a fish-like appearance and two squished in rear seats. Next thing you know, the Recall King will be strikin' up a partnership with Ford's Mustang. 

Yahoo censorship re insurers suing Toyota

Yahoo is again refusing to publish my comments.   

I guess Toyota is extra touchy now that seven insurance companies have filed suit based on the Recall King's refusal to install brake override systems.  As the below referenced article points out, these suits are a major challenge for Toyota. 

Just for the record, here's what I had to say:

"Toyota is finally getting its just desserts for refusing to install overrides while other automakers offered this safety feature.  As one of the Recall King's many dissatisfied customers - been bloggin' 'bout 'em for quite some time at (this blog's url) - I'm especially pleased that Toyota is accused of failing to disclose known defects."

I've noticed quite a few comments lately complaing of Yahoo censorship.  Hey, Yahoo:  the world is watching.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Insurers-take-on-Toyota-in-apf-1182206357.html?x=0#mwpphu-container

Update 1/7/2011 Yahoo continues to censor my comments.   Toyota has now made the list for america's most hated 15 companies, and Yahoo immediately removed my comment, "Toyota should be at the top of the list, and not only for recalls.  The complaints are many, including lousy service and equally lousy attitudes toward customers.  I've been bloggin' 'bout the Recall King for quite some time at (this blog's url)." http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110106/ts_alt_afp/usconsumerbusiness

Speaking of hoods, Toyota...

'Bout two and a half months ago, my MR2 Spyder's hood release AGAIN failed to operate (See "Shoddy service: Dick Dyer and The Toyota Center" and "Hey, Toyota: Someone else fixed my car").  This time, I got the rest of the story.

To begin with Toyota designed the release cable to stretch from the driver's side all the way underneath the car to the passenger's side, and then around the back end to the latch.  Kinda like goin' from Atlanta to Miami via Las Vegas.  Faced with customer complaints, Toyota had issued a technical service bulletin for a new cable (same length) but were not as forthcoming about the later addition of an extra spring for the latch. 

The independent shop I dealt with did their homework, got a redesigned latch, improvised to accomodate the exceptionally long cable, and the repair bill was about $450.  Underscoring Toyota's lousy service, the Toyota parts dealer initially sent a latch for the trunk instead of the hood, even though the order included the correct parts number.

Toyota, you've got problems with your products, your dealerships, and your attitude, and its not about growing too big too fast.  Its about an unwillingness to do the right thing.  A determination to see how much you can get away with at your customers' expense.  As your parade of recalls continues, I wish your former-attorney-turned-whistleblower, Dimitrios Biller, all the luck in the world as he attempts to expose the way you do business.  You're a sick company, Toyota.  And as far as I can tell, you have no intentions of changing for the better.

Regarding Toyota's latest recall - announced today - of 1.53 million vehicles for fuel pump and brake problems, Yahoo censored my comments. 

Unraveling the Toyota way

Can you recall a subpoena?  Leave it to Toyota to issue one and then not follow through.  Apparently, the Koua Fong Lee case (see my 8/14/10 post) has gone well beyond a mere embarassment.  Toyota suddenly seems to be bumping into themselves by targeting Lee in an effort to take possession of his '96 Camry.  Problem is, of course, not everyone trusts Toyota, and even if they did, Lee doesn't have possession of the car.  Lee's attorney put it rather bluntly, saying "we just don't want Toyota looking at the car by themselves or having (sole) possession of it."

Federal grand jury proceedings, racketeering charges, a heretofore unexplained delay in reporting defective steering rods...  I understand, Toyota.  Its enough to make anyone a little edgy.

Update 8/26/10 - Internet complaint posts (tweets to followers, blog posts, etc.) re censorship are effective.  Facebook DID publish my wall reference to this blog post in Posts by Everyone.  First time ever for one of my Facebook entries re this blog.  Twitter, however - as of about 11:30 AM - is once again censoring my Toyota tweets from appearing in real-time.  Toyota can't stand the truth.

Update 8/27/10 - as of about 10:30 AM Twitter is continuing to censor references to this blog post from real-time. I also got a message from one of my followers that Twitter is preventing them from retweeting my tweets. Facebook - as of yesterday - is  finally starting to publish in real-time (Posts by Everyone) the entries I make on my home page. Gee. Maybe someone at Twitter is angry at Facebook.

Update 8/28/10 - about 4:00 PM Twitter finally backed off their censorship and published in real-time my tweet with a link to this blog post.