Prius Problems: Toyota Strikes Back

(MoneyWatch)  In a big press conference today in San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, Toyota struck back against Prius driver James Sikes' claims that he was standing on the brake pedal, trying to get his out-of-control hybrid car to stop, but just couldn't. Since then investigators from both Toyota and the Federal government have gone through the car. A Toyota spokesman listed their findings:
1) The gas pedal was working normally.

2) The start/stop button was working normally.

3) The engine shuts off when the brake and accelerator are pressed simultaneously -- just as it was designed to.

4) There were no trouble codes from the car's computer.

The spokesman called these "significant inconsistencies."

On Sunday's CBS Early Show, local San Diego congressman Darrell Issa had stronger words: "A lot of people who say they have a problem... don't." Also on Sunday was a Wall Street Journal story which cited three anonymous NHTSA sources saying that the brakes showed a pattern of wear consistent with intermittent, moderate pressure, and not Sikes's account of "laying on the brakes."
In other words, Toyota - and the authorities responsible for regulating Toyota - are suggesting that James Sikes run-away Prius story is a hoax.

The muckraking blogosphere is already convinced, having found plenty of motive. Everything from his recent bankruptcy, to $20,000 in missed Prius payments, to a porn company called AdultSwingLife.com. No wonder Toyota is so eager to slam the brakes on this Prius PR disaster.

photo: Lucasfilm