The delay between the Japanese and U.S. recalls, similar to Toyota’s handling of the recent sudden acceleration problems, triggered a new investigation on Monday by the NHTSA, which could fine the automaker up to $16.4 million, the same amount paid last month in the acceleration case.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it learned on Friday of 41 complaints filed with Toyota by U.S. customers before the October 2004 recall of Hilux and Hilux Surf trucks in Japan.
"Our team is working to obtain documents and information from Toyota to find out whether the manufacturer notified NHTSA within five business days of discovering a safety defect in U.S. vehicles," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said in a statement, quoted by the Automotive News.
Federal regulators "are taking this seriously and reviewing the facts to determine whether a timeliness investigation is warranted," NHTSA spokeswoman Karen Aldana told the AP in response to questions about the 2005 recall. An automaker is required to notify NHTSA about a defect within five days of determining one exists.
NHTSA has now linked 16 crashes, three deaths and seven injuries to the steering rod defect. When a steering rod snaps, the driver cannot control the vehicle because the front wheels will not turn. The AP reviewed hundred of pages of court documents, including many of Toyota's internal communications from the period when the steering problems first emerged. The AP also analyzed government files and complaints from drivers who experienced trouble behind the wheel.
"Toyota has received and is reviewing the information request from NHTSA and will cooperate with the agency’s investigation," read a press release of the Japanese company.
Google News