Prius Brake FailureJustin Lumpkins, Brian Almeria, Dominick Nester (Team 4)

Toyota is recalling around 1.9 million hybrid Prius cars around the world due to a software failure in the car’s hybrid control systemThe Japanese automaker suffered massive recalls starting in 2009, affecting more than 14 million vehicles

Recall

The problem in the Prius’s brakes is a result of a brake pressure accumulator that may develop a fatigue crack due to vibrationThis problem would violate fundamental canon #1 of the NSPE Code of Ethics, being that engineers should hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public

The Brake Problem

Toyota Prius

“With the lessons learned from past recalls in North America, Toyota keeps showing the attitude to proactively recall and have everything under control before any serious accident happens,” - Takashi Aoki(Tokyo-based fund manager at Mizuho Asset Management)

Toyota takes full responsibility for the faulty software and will fix the problem for no extra cost if brought to a dealer

Toyota’s act of responsibility and integrity applies to #2,3,4, and 6 of the

fundamental canon in the NSPE code of ethics, being that the company takes full responsibility and responds truthfully if an error in the code of standards occurs

Toyota Takes Action

In Section 3 of the NSPE Code of Ethics, #1 and #2 requires the testimony of reports, statistics, and technical opinionsToyota violates these codes of ethics and has yet to release reports about brake failure, but has, in the past, released reports on an acceleration issue in their vehicles

The Code Of Ethics

The Toyota spokesperson had the responsibility of the NSPE Code of Ethics :● Engineers shall issue public statements only in an

objective and truthful manner(Section 2 subsection 3)● Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public

interest(Section 3 subsection 2)● Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that

deceives the public (Section 3 subsection 3)

Where did Toyota Go Wrong

Section 2 Subsection 3: The spokesperson was able to give an objective report on the mistakes of Toyota’s braking system. Section 3 Subsection 2: They also were interested in the safety of the public and issued a statement about the issues with the brakes.Section 3 Subsection 3: While the workers at Toyota failed this code of conduct by not bringing to attention the flaws, the spokesperson went out to inform the public.

How they Performed

What if we were workers for Toyota or another car manufacturer? Following section 3 subsection 2 we have to strive to serve the public interest. And section 2 subsection 1 states that we have to handle the safety, health, and welfare of the public with utmost importance. With that said, we must share all information of importance we have to those it may concern when we have the consent to do so.

What if?

It would be beneficial for Toyota to reveal their most recent testing results to reassure the public the safety of their product. The should do so in the manner of section 3 subsection 2 of the NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers. It’d be for the best that Toyota not disclose any information because keeping the public in the dark about these important statistics could lead to more accidents and lives lost.

What Toyota Should do Now

● http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/toyota-prius-recall.html

● http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/toyota-recall-toyota-camry-corolla-brake-defects/story?id=9790405

Sources