Toyota warned its dealers as early as 2002 after receiving complaints from Camry owners about sudden acceleration problems. According to a CNN special investigation, the auto maker had recommended calibration and adjustments to the electronic control unit, at the time, to fix the problem. This technical service bulletin from the manufacturer apparently went to every U.S. Toyota dealership in 2002. The bulletin clearly stated: “Some 2002 model year Camry vehicles may exhibit a surging during light throttle input at speeds between 38-42 mph. The Engine Control Module (ECM) calibration has been revised to correct this condition.”

Over the last five months, the Japanese auto maker has issued vehicle defect recalls for more than 8.5 million vehicles due to faulty floor mats, defective gas pedals and brakes. But so far, there has been no mention of any computer glitches. This document dug up by CNN, on the other hand, does not make references to any mechanical issues such as gas pedals or floor mats.

Toyota Knew What Caused Sudden Acceleration

CNN received this internal document from a group of attorneys who are pursuing a nationwide class-action lawsuit against Toyota stating that the auto maker knew much earlier about an electronic connection to sudden acceleration problems. Consumer safety advocates are saying that this bulleting was ignored or possibly hidden from consumers not only by Toyota, but also by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal auto safety agency. The number of reported fatalities as a result of car accidents caused by sudden acceleration problems in Toyotas has now risen to more than 100.

A Government and Auto Industry Conspiracy?

Clarence Ditlow, president of the Center for Auto Safety, says that he believes, based on this latest finding that the government participated in a conspiracy with the auto industry to keep these facts away from consumers. Attorneys say this repair bulletin is evidence that Toyota knowingly lied to the public about the causes of sudden acceleration problems.

This information is indeed cause for deep concern. Apparently, Toyota could have easily fixed the sudden acceleration problems nearly a decade ago. But, it would have cost them $500 a vehicle nationwide to do that, adding up to a total of $4 to $5 billion. That, in essence, was the cause for the cover-up. Toyota has attacked CNN’s recent investigation, and its sources, saying that the allegations are “baseless.” This is an indication that Toyota is still not going to accept responsibility. Toyota has since stated they do intend to fight against these claims vigorously.

The Fight for Consumer Rights

As an auto products liability attorney, these statements, hardly, come as a surprise to me. It is nothing different from what Ford did with Firestone tire cases or in numerous Ford Explorer rollover accident cases. Despite the knowledge that they made defective vehicles, the auto maker still continues to place the blame on drivers. Toyota will also try that tactic in many of the cases saying that reckless driving caused the accident rather than sudden acceleration, or other vehicle defects. Toyota plaintiffs no doubt need a nationally renowned auto product defect law firm on their side that has the resources and fire power to fight these large auto makers and win.