LOS ANGELES (AFP) –
Crisis-hit Toyota hit back once again Monday at allegations that the electronics in its vehicles caused the problems with sudden acceleration which led to the recall of millions of vehicles.

The Japanese automaker staged a technical demonstration in which it tore apart as “unrealistic” and “contrived” a study by a vocal critic showing that crossed wires could send a false signal that would cause Toyota cars to speed out of control.

David Gilbert, a professor of automotive technology at Southern Illinois University told a US congressional investigation last month that affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles may have an electronics design flaw.

The carmaker dismissed his findings, saying he had re-engineered and rewired the signals from the accelerator pedal in order to create the flaw rather than analyzing “real world” evidence.

“If an electrical system is re-engineered and rewired it’s not surprising that subsequent testing of the system may cause unrealistic results,” Toyota spokesman Mike Michaels told reporters.

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DETROIT – At least 15 Toyota drivers have complained to U.S. safety officials that their cars sped up by themselves even after being fixed under recalls for sticky gas pedals or floor mat problems, according to an Associated Press analysis.

The development raises questions about whether Toyota’s repairs will bring an end to the cases of wild, uncontrolled acceleration or if there may be electronic causes behind the complaints that have dogged the automaker.

Although the allegations were unverified by the agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday it was contacting people who have complained about acceleration problems even after repairs were done under two large recalls. The agency wants to hear from others who have had similar troubles, it said.

“If Toyota owners are still experiencing sudden acceleration incidents after taking their cars to the dealership, we want to know about it,” agency administrator David Strickland said in a statement.

The new complaints raised eyebrows in Congress, which has held three hearings on the recalls in the past week and is investigating Toyota’s safety problems.

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