Prius Owners Report More Unintended Acceleration Incidents

Linking to Consumeraffiars (sic).com seriously is like linking to an article in The Onion seriously.

 

Sounds like that other Japanese import... Godzilla.

 

That's a weird, and the article tries to paint a bleak picture by describing at least 3 different and seemingly unrelated scenarios:

1. The dude who ran his car into a gas station, a story about which there were conflicting reports as to the cause... driver error didn't seem to be ruled out though.

2. Lunge when braking on rough terrain. I've experienced this, and it's a little disconcerting but has never seemed very dangerous. Is this a Prius issue or a general traction control issue? Seems to me like TCS, ABS and the switch from regen to friction all have to happen at once to get this...

3. Cruise control losing control?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mad Hatter @ Aug 13 2007, 02:28 PM) [snapback]494822[/snapback]</div>

Maybe a rampaging herd of Prius knocked over the Minnesota bridge.

Shouldn't discussion about this website be in FHOP?

 

Several months ago, in the space of two weeks, my car took off twice at a high rate of acceleration without my foot being on the pedal - I assumed it was because of the extra floor mat I put in. I moved it back a bit and it never happened again. So I think it was the mat.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ Aug 13 2007, 11:37 AM) [snapback]494832[/snapback]</div>

Now that you mention it, there was a silver one on top of the road deck after the bridge collapsed. Do you suppose it was the "straw that broke the camel's back"? Someone should alert Consumer Affiars (sic) don't you think? :lol:

 

I have had my 2004 Prius (which I bought used) for about 4 months. I notice that when I am coming to a stop when coming down a hill (like at a traffic light) that the car accelerates forward a bit even though my foot is off the gas. I have started to anticipate this and isn't as much of a prorblem but it took some getting used to.
Anyone have similar probelm? <_<
I read the Consumer reports-- I have not experienced that type of acceleration on the highway--where I do most of my driving (2,000 miles a month).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius2004Mass @ Sep 14 2007, 08:06 AM) [snapback]512437[/snapback]</div>

This pure speculation on my part but what you describe is something that I have noticed.
I think there is a slight acceleration while lightly braking around 10-15 MPH. This acceleration may be caused when the electric motor is re-generating power and adding resistance and acting as the main stopping force. While slowing down above 15MPH the disk brakes are minimally working. At some point around 10-15 MPH the electric motor stops working as the main stopping force and that’s when I think we feel a slight acceleration. At this point we have to apply more force on the brake peddle and engage the disk brakes to completely stop the car.
Naturally this is a best guess on my part, but I did sleep in a Holliday-Inn last night. :blink:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius2004Mass @ Sep 14 2007, 08:06 AM) [snapback]512437[/snapback]</div>

Consumer Reports is a reputable magazine from a reputable organization. The source cited in the original post is Consumer Affairs, which seems to have a 'thing' against the Prius, and has in the past printed and spread other anti-Prius reports, including the infamous 'Hummer is more environmentally friendly than the Prius' report that has been debunked many times. (Just FYI, since Consumer Affairs seems to rely on people mistaking them for Consumer Reports.)

 

Agreed. For the real scoop read the NHTSA site. If there's something to it, it will be listed there. Also this is an old article that's been cited before.

 

I think it would be interresting, if someone has the time and energy, to fabricate a similar story and report it to Cansumer Affairs as a test to see how thouroughly they follow up on the stories. To do this, I think you would have to put up with a short phone call back from them, but I bet they would take whatever you offer at face value, and offer to represent you in a lawsuit.

 

Maybe the fix for unintended accel is to reroute the windshield washer to spray the front tires with water, invoke the killer TC, and stop the car. Every time I try to accelerate (intended) on a wet street, Momma TC clicks on, and shuts everything down. If it works for intended accel it might work for unintended as well. Just a thought

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius2004Mass @ Sep 14 2007, 08:06 AM) [snapback]512437[/snapback]</div>

Your explanation makes sense--but I won't let my 17 year old drive the car by himself yet. He needs to experience this and know how to react. It does seemd to be tied to the braking. Thanks- I am glad I am not crazy... this is something that new owners should be aware of.

 

i for one have experienced the carpet covering the accelerator pedal incident and it did freak me out... but after i realized what it was... i had a pretty good laugh over it...

i personally think the "flaw" was designed in by the engineers as just another reminder on the benefits of conservative driving since this can only happen when the pedal is floored.

 

Don't forget, they like to call their website Consumeraffiars.com (sic).

 

How many remember the hammering Audi took for the same speculation? Nothing was ever found, but Audi sales took a beating that was permanent.

The only thing good about the whole (unintentional acceleration) scam was the joke:

What is the worst spot on the highway?

Behind a Pinto and in front of an Audi.

 

All the comments I have recalled hearing about Cunsumer Affairs has been about incorrect imformation that they report. I see not reason to believe they will start reporting the truth any time soon.