1. Should Toyota “come clean” and open up their data and testing results summaries to
the public to reassure and inform?
Companies always announce that they try to give customers the best product they can
offer at a reasonable price. Safety, quality, and volume are the words use by Toyota CEO Akio
Toyoda, to describe his company’s goal and ambition. However, Toyota received 124 complaints
in 2010, concerning the braking system on the Toyota Prius model. This having to do that the
vehicle accelerates abruptly for a moment when braking over slippery or bumpy terrain. Now,
companies who have done recalls in the past have done so to correct an error in design,
functionality, and/or incorrect output of said product. However, do ethics demand that these
companies provide additional information leading up to this recall? Should fine details and inner
planning that lead up to this product to be produced be thrown out in the public space? Engineers
across the corporate world have or will encounter these questions, and must keep the Engineer
Code of Ethics in mind.
Toyota made a brief statement in article in Popular Mechanics magazine, acknowledging
that there is an issue with the braking system in the Prius models in 2010, but no major failure.
“The car will still stop--we're not talking about brake failure here--but the distance required
could increase slightly,”(Popular Mechanics Magazine). It was announced that the firmware had
a glitch that caused the vehicle to lurch forward. Now Mr. Toyoda plays the part as ethical
antagonist by recognizing the problem, he does not ignore the issue nor does he make up excuses
for it. He does express his conflicted emotions by expressing how this issue represents him as a
person since the car bears his family surname. “My name is on every car. You have my personal
commitment that Toyota will work vigorously and unceasingly to restore the trust of our
customers,” Toyota President and CEO, Both Akio Toyoda. In section 3, number 1 and 2, the
Ethics Code requires that testimony of reports, statistics and technical opinions. These are the
code of ethics encountered by the Toyota Company and CEO.
In the question considering if Toyota should “come clean” with testing results, it is more
complicated first perceived. Since, the company acknowledges the issue existed; they heard and
accepted people complaints about the vehicle. I do not think it is necessary for Toyota to release
any manuals, statistics, testing results, and other details to the public. Section 1 of the code of
ethics dictates that you should not disclose any information without the consent of the employer,
unless in violation of law. Toyota would lose credibility if it becomes lenient on their disclosure
policy considering their release of their details. It is assures that they worked to find a solution to
the problem and that they are taking necessary steps to fix their errors privately. If it comes to the
point that they do not uphold that promise to fix it, then consumers will simply switch car
brands, and Toyota does not want that. This is why it is assured they will do any necessary
repairs to guarantee a full functioning vehicle.
2. If 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?

The Central ethical issue of this Toyota recall for engineers involved is located in the
Professional Obligations chapter of the Code of Ethics for Engineers which in relation
specifically to this case states:
1. Engineers shall be guided in their relations by the highest standards of honesty
and integrity
a. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or alter
the facts
 The Toyota engineers should be truthful and forthcoming about
any errors they made without hiding any facts or evidence that
could be of importance
b. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a
project will not be successful
 Toyota engineers should have reached out to others about the
errors in the development. If the engineers thought that they had
produced quality and sound work, then they should not have
signed and sealed to take on the project. The NSPE Code of Ethics
specifically states that Engineers shall not affix their signatures to
any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in which they
lack competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under
their direction and control
2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.
a. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications
that are not in conformity with applicable engineering standards. If the
client or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall
notify the proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the
project
 Toyota engineers that were involved in the development process of
what was recalled should not have created such low quality work
b. Engineers shall endeavor to extend public knowledge and appreciation
of engineering and its achievements
 If Toyota engineers are willing to be crowned for their
achievements they should also have the pride to admit that they
made mistakes
3. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public
a. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a material
misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact
 Toyota engineers shouldn’t disclose information about the recall
that is only the half truth