A St. Cloud man claims the collision protection device in his car is an accident waiting to happen.
It's been recalled, but months later the automaker still can't fix it.
“It's the most dangerous thing I've ever seen,” said Walter Maslowski about a safety feature in his 2013 Toyota Avalon.
Maslowski is referring to the Pre-collision System that's supposed to prevent crashes by sounding alarms and applying the brakes. Instead he claims twice the collision sensors malfunctioned and stopped his car in the middle of a busy highway for no reason.
“If I stop and there's somebody behind me, I'm going to get hit and I have no control over that,” Maslowski said.
He got a recall notice after Toyota discovered the collision system can activate because of a steel plate in the road or a nearby vehicle and says these mistakes increase the chance of a crash.
The recall's first step is shutting off the system. The fix comes later.
Maslowski turned his system off, but five months later, Toyota dealers told him there's no repair available and no date when it will be.
“They're going to have to compensate me personally because I've been driving without something they sold me,” Maslowski said.
The Toyota and Lexus recall covers 31,000 vehicles, but Acura and Ford have also recalled some collision control systems. The problems involve the systems software that can misread metal objects in the road, or on the highway.
“It cannot detect on those scenarios so it defaults to a fail safe which is to apply the brakes, rather than have a collision,” said repair expert Jay Zembower.
Toyota told Action 9 the system will be replaced with improved components and dealers will start receiving information about a replacement program this month.
“I don't think I have a lot of trust now,” Maslowski said, “I think I'd just leave it off, I really would.”
Toyota also said the parts preparation and tooling have just been completed. Owners will be sent notices in the mail and can enter their VIN on Toyota's website for more information.
Toyota written response:
"The remedy for this recall has been under development since we announced it in November 2015. Disabling the system was step one while we completed preparations of the necessary parts and the procedure to fit them into the vehicle.
"Toyota is just now completing the parts preparation, tooling and documentation to support our dealers in the completion of the remedy.
"We expect to be releasing the materials to dealers later this month (probably the week of the 18th). Owner mailings will follow.
"Yes, we do know how the problem manifests. The issue is that the PCS system may, in certain driving conditions, interpret a steel plate or joint in the road as an obstacle in the path of the vehicle.
"Customers can enter their VIN number at Toyota.com/recall and obtain a FAQ on this and any recall involving their Toyota, Lexus or Scion. I have attached a copy. It describes the disabling process and the warning sounds and light in the event of activation.
"The customer Mr. Maslowski, has been in touch with our Customer Care Center on April 2. They are more than happy to assist him further. And I have asked that they reach out to him today if possible."
Cox Media Group
