I have been reading of traction control system problems with Toyota cars, primarily Prius and Highlander. It reminded me of a dangerous situation I was having over the winter.
I have an '07 Avalon. I love the car otherwise but I experienced a complete loss of engine control while pulling into my driveway in approx. 4" of snow. I am from Buffalo and have been driving for over 30 years so I am very adept at driving in snow. I often help others who are stuck in much deeper snow by driving thier cars free for them.
The car seems to drop to idle and the VSC light (Slip Control) comes on on the dashboard. The accelerator seems unresponsive. I have read that the ABS brakes are involved. It felt like the car died. I had to back all the way out of the driveway, build up forward momentum and try again. Had I been on a hill, I may have slid backwards all the way to the bottom of the hill.
The same situation happened later, on level ground in an intersection with even less snow on the ground. Nearby cars missed me... But not by much. I could have driven my previous car, a "97 Camry through the same situation without even a delay.
I asked the dealer to look into it but they stated that if I can't emulate the situation, they can't do anything about it. According to reports I'm reading on the web, this situation is rampant with the Prius, and less so with the Highlander so the general problem is quite well known at Toyota.
I would be happy to shut off the traction control. A disable switch would be even better. This VSC system will eventually get someone killed. Toyota has elected to automate some of the drivers abilities which makes them liable in the event of a crash.
A shame for an otherwise good vehicle.
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