WASHINGTON - Computer data from a Toyota Prius that crashed in suburban New York City show that at the time of the accident the throttle was open and the driver was not applying the brakes, U.S. safety officials said Thursday. The disclosure prompted an angry response from the police captain investigating the cause of the accident. He said his probe was not over and driver error had not been established.
"For any agency to release data and to draw conclusions without consulting with the law enforcement agency that brought this to light could be self-serving," said Capt. Anthony Marraccini of the Harrison, N.Y., force.

Armed with reports of accidents for which they've already paid claims, State Farm insurance has asked Toyota to repay them for any crashes related to unintended acceleration by its vehicles.

Other companies are expected to follow and demands for repayment of claims — called "subrogation" in the insurance business — could end up costing Toyota from $20 million to $30 million, says Mark Bunim, an attorney with Closed Case, a mediation firm. Customers could see a bonus from any repayment: Insurance deductibles they paid could be refunded.

Lexus Stops Selling S.U.V. That Was Called Unsafe

About 12 hours after Consumer Reports magazine warned consumers that the 2010 Lexus GX 460 sport utility had a dangerous handling problem, the automaker said late Tuesday that would temporarily stop selling the S.U.V.
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In response, Mark Templin, the group vice president and general manager, said in a statement that Lexus had “asked our dealers to temporarily suspend sales of the 2010 GX 460.”

Mr. Templin said that the carmaker was taking the situation “very seriously” and was determined to identify and correct the issue Consumer Reports identified.”

“For any customer who has purchased a 2010 GX 460 and is concerned about driving their vehicle,” he said, “we will provide a loaner car until a remedy is available.”