A newly released six-page congressional memo outlines NHTSA’s inability to reproduce any form of unintended acceleration after testing the vehicle alongside Toyota technicians and engineers. The driver who reported the incident, James Sikes, maintains that he is not seeking monetary damages but stands by his claim that the event was not a hoax.
To date, neither Toyota or NHTSA have been able to verify a single claim of electronic-based unintended acceleration by reproducing the incident during testing, causing some to cast doubts on the possibility of computer-sourced problems.
Sikes’ attorney defends client’s story; refutes Sikes was seeking monetary gains
However, as with many issues with modern automobiles, the problems can often be intermittent in nature and thus very difficult to pinpoint during investigations. Following the announcement that NHTSA and Toyota were unable to replicate problems with Sikes’ Prius, his attorney, John Gomez, pointed out that the rarity of the problem to the Associated Press. “I don’t put a whole lot of stock in their explanation,” said Gomez. “It’s not surprising they couldn’t replicate it. They have never been able to replicate an incident of sudden acceleration. Mr. Sikes never had a problem in the three years he owned this vehicle.”
The Los Angeles Times is also reporting that Gomez clarified the situation regarding recent allegations that Sikes may have staged a hoax for monetary gains. Gomez specifically addressed the claim made by certain online news outlets that Sikes was behind on his payments and looking for a way out from under the payments.
“He’s made clear he’s not looking to file a lawsuit,” Gomez said. “He’s declined every invitation to appear on national television. . . . He likes his vehicle, was up to date on the payments of his vehicle. So he’s not trying to get rich, he’s not trying to get famous. He only wanted the truth to come out.”
California Highway Patrol weighs in
Following the release of the congressional memo, CHP spokesman Brian Pennings that the agency’s view that the incident was not a hoax is unchanged, according to the AP.
“Unless they can completely disprove Mr. Sikes, we’re done,” said Pennings. “It doesn’t sound like they can do that.”
Toyota comments on the findings
A Toyota official that was involved in the investigation of Sikes’ Prius said if the system failed that is intended to shut off acceleration while braking, an electric motor would “completely seize.” According to the memo, there was no evidence of the motor seizing.
“In this case, knowing that we are able to push the car around the shop, it does not appear to be feasibly possible, both electronically and mechanically that his gas pedal was stuck to the floor and he was slamming on the brake at the same time,” according to the memo presented to Congress.
Toyota is scheduled to give an in-depth press conference Monday morning from San Diego.
References
1. ‘Lawyer rebuts doubts about…’ view
2. ‘Tests on Prius cast doubts…’ view
