Has anyone here actually googled to see if there actually ARE incidents outside the US?

As of Mar 10:

" There's more bad news for beleaguered carmaker Toyota after drivers in America and Japan complained of problems with the brakes on the latest Prius hybrid car.

About 100 incidents have been reported to US officials and more than a dozen in Japan, causing the Japanese government to order an investigation.

Last week, the car giant said it was recalling another 1.1m cars in the US to fix 'sticky' accelerator pedals, taking the number of vehicles recalled in recent months to nearly 8m.

There have also been 26 reported incidents in Europe where accelerator pedals have stayed down even when the driver lifts their foot."

i did, first pages of hits were all about the same 3-4 accidents in the US, then i gave up.

I guess japanese articles, i wouldnt' find em , since i wouldn't know how to search Kanji webpages
But haven't found any in Europe so far.. all european articles i find, are about the accidents in the US...

found one :

Latest From Toyota on Accelerator Pedals and Prius Braking | | Honest John

"14. When did Toyota become aware of safety issues with the accelerator pedal in its vehicles the UK?

Toyota first became aware of incidents of the accelerator pedal sticking, associated with safety concerns, in November 2009.

In the UK 20 reported incidents were identified.

Toyota Europe (TME) moved quickly to mount a thorough investigation and initiate a recall."

So it's worldwide, huh? Uh oh...

It's become apparent to me that most people in this thread are well behind on technology and the benefits of fly by wire throttle.

Fly by wire throttle and computer controlled engine management allows manufacturers to optimally balance performance, efficiency and emissions through the implementation of complex systems, such as variable valve timing and variable inlet manifolds. These kinds of systems, along with direct injection, are what allows Porsche and other manufacturers to create 100hp/l+ N/A engines, with flat torque curves. Efficiency, performance and driveability increases when these systems are properly implemented.

As an example, when you're low in the rev range and you push the throttle pedal down half way, you're not getting 50% throttle plate opening but rather 50% of available engine torque at that speed. The computer will work out the fuel, ignition and air for you to achieve the most efficient outcome.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with properly tuned drive-by-wire throttles, and it seems that it is only the techno-phobic who do not approve. Other than Toyota, noone else I know of has had any failures, and most cars have failsafes in place to cut the throttle when brakes are applied (e.g. my R32).

No one here is disputing the ability of a well written computer program to be more optimal in its fuel efficiency than a seeries of mechanical systems.

What we're talking about is the BRAKING SYSTEM. To put the computer between you and a safety system is not safe.

That guys full o' Sheet!!! So now toyota has a faulty ignition button, brakes, and e brake?!?!

AND since when can a slow ass prius go over 90 mph??!!
That guy is after something or trying to get out from under that payment:D

Traction control and ESP (skid control) makes the car a PITA to drive when it's slick out. Every one I've ever had I wish I could permanently disable.

A skilled driver needs none of these.

rjp

Look further up in the thread and you'll find the whackjobs saying that the throttle should be mechanical as well.

I think it should be mechanical. If it breaks you have a chance of making it home and you visually inspect it to see if it's failing.

The basic controls of a car should not be engineered to the point where you need specialized training just to see if it's working properly or not.

Would you get on an airplane that was entirely by - wire with no backup systems? Why should a car be any different?

rjp

I don't have a problem, especially with something like a hybrid, with a purely electronic "gas" pedal. But, the gas pedal input should be completely over-ridden by any pressure on the brake or hand brake system.

I'm old school. I appreciate the mechanical. But honestly, we're at the mercy of technology. Calling Skynet...SmileWavy

Skylab?

Did you put that in? ;)

I was running a 12hr kart race out in Cali in Jan when the MECHANICAL throttle stuck wide open. I knew if I used the brakes to slow it down, when I came to the pits they'd be overheated and I'd burn them up, so I hung the rear out around the track letting the constant drifting keep the speeds down, pulled into the pits, and hit the kill switch.

Mechanical linkages can malfunction too!!

That said, the potential issue for a Prius is its use of electric motors to do it's high speed braking. If they are trying to give it full power - then how do yah stop it?

Some rental karts have a kill switch under the brake pedal that cuts the throttle to idle whenever the brakes are touched - this keeps people from riding the brakes and burning them up.

And there you have it....it is a worldwide phenomenon.

No thanks. I'll have a regular old throttle cable and brake pedal and steering box please.

I don't -ever- want that mechanical link severed in any vehicle i operate. Sorry.

Oh yeah, what craziness!

I've had that mechanical link severed on my old VWs I've owned - a common problem. But the car just stops when that happens.