Quiz #9

In 2010, 133,000 Toyota Prius hybrids and 14,550 Lexus HS 250h had their brakes recalled due to a computer glitch. Caused brakes to lag, or not engage immediately on wet or bumpy road. Results in vehicle to travel further than expected after brakes are applied. Multiple accidents and injuries occurred due to this glitch in the system.

Due to the fact that it was a computer glitch, the fix was rather simple. The fix is called a reflash. It reinstalls and revises the main computers commands which determine what should happen when something is pressed or turned. A similar fix was also implemented to the Lexus recall as it was to the Prius recall.

One of the issues that was also raised about this, is how this issue was not noted during the drive tests of the vehicle. It is possible that it was missed and that is why recalls are present in the automotive industry.

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protagonist in this case is the company of Toyota, even thought the problem was also initially caused by them unknowingly.

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you are a Toyota engineer (or other auto company) what is your personal responsibility to divulge your knowledge of the risks and origins of this problem?

It is absolutely an engineers job to make sure that any knowledge about this faulty system is to be known to the supervisors according to the NSPE Code of Ethics.

Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. a. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services.

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Toyota come clean and open up their data and testing results summaries to the public to reassure and inform?

It is wrong to withhold any information about such a matter that has the publics welfare in concern, due to the fact that the engineers are supposed to be able to

Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.