US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says you shouldn’t drive recalled Toyotas, retracts statement

Appearing yesterday at a House of Appropriations committee hearing, the US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood revealed that it might be better for existing Toyota owners to refrain from driving any model affecting by the recent unintended acceleration recalls, and wait until they can get it fixed at the dealership.

“We need to fix the problem so people don’t have to worry about disengaging the engine or slamming the brakes on or put it in neutral…If anybody owns [one] of these vehicles, stop driving it and take it to a Toyota dealer.”

Realizing that his statement might lead to panic, LaHood quickly retracted what he said and revealed that he was misquoted. Toyota quickly followed with an official statement highlighting that the unintended acceleration problems are rarely occurring (although two accidents days apart might bed to differ), and that slow and repeated braking will slow the car down (although that system isn’t so certain in the 2010 Prius).

The Japanese company does add that if you have experienced acceleration issues, you should call your dealership immediately, if not, then you can trust your car until you can have it fixed, like the company revealed a few days ago.

Although this may seems like a huge quote misunderstanding, what do you Toyota owners think? Are you still using the cars affected by the recall or standing by until the dealership contacts you? Share your thoughts with us.

Source: Autoblog

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Post tags : government, Recalls, Toyota, unintended acceleration