Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Blog

Toyota is investigating reports of power steering problems with the world's bestselling car, the Toyota Corolla. No recall has been announced but Toyota is examining the couple hundred complaints very seriously.

The investigation will aim to discover what exactly is causing some drivers to feel like they are losing control of their vehicles. Toyota has yet to discover if the problem stems from a problem with the steering system or from the braking system or the tires. After the massive recalls by the company Toyota is taking this most recent problem very seriously and has vowed to discover and fix this latest defect in one of its vehicles.

Over 8.5 million vehicles have been recalled by Toyota since the end of 2009. The first was recall was a problem with floor mats interfering with accelerators and causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles. The second recall named a defect that caused vehicles to suddenly accelerate on drivers and the third was a problem with the electronic braking on the Toyota Prius.

Over thirty deaths have been attributed to the sudden acceleration of Toyotas. Thirteen have been reported since the end of 2009 adding to the 21 reports since 2000. Toyota once had a sterling reputation for safety but these latest transgressions have the company suffering in sales and under the scrutiny of the United States Government. Toyota is doing the best to repair its reputation and is hoping to be proactive with the Corolla problem instead of reactive as it has been in the recent past.

Related Sources:

Gov't: 34 deaths alleged in Toyotas since 2000

Toyota considers Corolla recall

The Institute for Highway Safety tested 2010 small pickup trucks and not one model was named the institute's best pick for safety. In order to achieve that honor the vehicle has to score "good" in front, side, rear and rollover tests. The vehicle also has to be equipped with electronic stability control.

Across the board small pickups scored "marginal" in roof strength, one of the most important safety features when a vehicle rolls over. This is the first year that the IHS is testing vehicles for rollover and the institute boosted its roof strength requirement across the board. A roof crush test is conducted by driving a metal plate against the roof at a constant speed. For a "good" rating the roof must not buckle more than five inches by a force four times the vehicle's weight. The Nissan Frontier was the only pick-up to achieve a "good" rating in the roof crush and failed to be named the top safety pick because it scored "acceptable" when protecting occupants in a rear crash.

The most startling discovery came when the side curtain airbags in the Dodge Dakota failed to deploy in a side-impact test. Chrysler has identified the problem as a technical one and is currently working on a solution. It should also be noted that the Dakota is the only pick-up that does not have standard side curtain airbags. Chevrolet Colorado scored the lowest in the roof crush test and the institute was unhappy with its protection of the driver's chest and pelvis in a crash.

Related Sources:
Small Pickup Trucks Lag in IIHS Crash and Roof Crush Tests

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into the Toyota Prius. Pennsylvania motorists who own and drive a 2010 Toyota Prius should be aware that there have been reports of the brakes failing on the vehicle.

There have been numerous reports to the NHSTA of brakes failing on Toyota Prius drivers when they encounter a hazardous road. The brakes are momentarily failing when they drive on slippery roads, hit a pot hole or drive on uneven road surfaces. Toyota has confirmed that there is a software glitch in the brake that is causing the vehicle to temporarily lose braking power but has not yet launched a formal recall. The investigation involves nearly 40,000 vehicles and is so far limited to the 2010 model. The problem is also being investigated in Japan by its government. The Prius was not named in the floor mat or the accelerator recall.

Toyota, its dealerships and its drivers are facing an especially trying time. Toyota was once renowned for its safety but these latest rounds of recalls and investigation has made many people questioning Toyota's reputation. The Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, issued a statement for Toyota drivers to immediately stop driving recalled vehicles and take them back to the dealership. LaHood has since retracted that statement and said that drivers should get their vehicle fixed as soon as possible.

Related Web Sources:
Feds probing Prius brakes
Toyota checking 2010 Prius brakes; mum on recall
Confusion and fear at Toyota dealerships

A New Jersey woman was driving down I-95 when suddenly her car became extremely difficult to drive. The woman's power steering on her 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt had failed and she narrowly avoided crashing into the guardrail. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the woman is not alone and an investigation into the defect has begun.

NHTSA has received over one thousand complaints from about a power steering malfunction in models 2005 thru 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. When the power steering on a vehicle shuts off the automobile becomes extremely difficult to maneuver and drivers can easily lose control of the vehicle. Motorists have described the feeling as trying to life a very heavy weight. There is not yet a recall but General Motors is cooperating with the NHTSA investigation.

Related Sources:
Probe Underway Into Chevy Cobalt Complaints