Report exonerates Toyota for sudden acceleration

A new report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and NASA has revealed that electronic systems in Toyota models are not to blame for sudden acceleration in some vehicles, despite widespread speculation.

In fact, the report, which was the result of a ten-month study by the groups, largely cleared Toyota of any wrongdoing in relation to the numerous crashes and accidents blamed on "sudden acceleration." Toyota eventually addressed the issue by recalling and fixing vehicles for sticking pedals and floor mats, but continuously denied any fault in the programming of the electronic systems.

The study found that the floor mats only contributed in one instance, where the mat became dislodged and trapped the accelerator. In the rest of the cases, it was actually driver error – hitting the gas rather than the brake – that led to the crashes.

"The jury is back, the verdict is in," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "There is no electronic-based cause for unintended high-speed acceleration in Toyotas. Period."

Drivers who were holding off on purchasing a used Toyota may want to reconsider, as the report essentially deems the vehicles safe to drive. Those interested in these or any other vehicles may want to visit New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of models at low prices.