Probe Casts Doubt On Shady Prius Owner’s Story

March 13th, 2010 (4) Posted By Pat Dollard.

Runaway Prius

Related: Man At Wheel Of “Runaway” Prius Has Troubled Financial Past

SAN DIEGO (AP) – Investigators with Toyota and the federal government were unable to make a Toyota Prius speed out of control as its owner said it did on a California freeway, according to a memorandum obtained Saturday by The Associated Press. A congressional spokesman said the finding cast doubt on the driver’s story.

James Sikes, 61, called 911 on Monday to report losing control of his Prius as the hybrid reached speeds of 94 mph. A highway patrol officer helped Sikes bring the vehicle to a safe stop on Interstate 8 near San Diego.

Federal and Toyota investigators who examined and test drove the car could not replicate the problems Sikes said he encountered, the memo said.

The findings raise questions about “the credibility of Mr. Sikes’ reporting of events,” said Kurt Bardella, a spokesman for California Rep. Darrell Issa, the top Republican on the House Oversight Committee.

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  • http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_woU5s2fwbZo/Suf-jj0RiOI/AAAAAAABNxM/s4lTdhv4IhA/s400/Courage_Wolf_6_by_Nossek.jpg T-Bagg (Unapologetically American)

    I thought the story was goofy the first time I read it. Who the hell calls 911 because their accelerator is stuck? Take that shit out of gear and let her coast to a stop. Then kill it. Then think about calling somebody.
    I figured something was missing.

  • Bobert

    Hey T-Bagg,
    I’m pretty sure this is the main problem with these Toyotas – when the accelerator is engaged, the car won’t let you shift into neutral (they say it’s a “safety feature”). Pushing on the break will not disengage the accelerator, and you also can’t push the button to turn the thing off when it’s in gear – again, which you cannot get OUT of gear because the accelerator is stuck! Ain’t technology grand!

  • http://primordialslack.blogspot.com Joan of Argghh!

    Well, even if the guy was faking it, you gotta figure he was trying to work out some sort of retirement plan after his life savings tanked last year. Now, if he was faking it, he can look forward to a more secure retirement in the klink.

    • thrasymakhos

      :beer: