The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has announced they will conduct a probe to determine whether Toyota conducted three of their recalls in a timely manner. Two recalls relate to the entrapment of the gas pedals by the floor mats. The first took place on Sept. 26, 2007, a second one on October 6, 2009 and an expansion of the October recall on Jan. 29, 2010. The sticking gas pedals is the third recall in question which was announced on January 21, 2010.
The agency is requiring Toyota to provide all documentation on when they learned of the defects and if the manufacturer discovered the problems in pre- or post-production of models. They will also investigate customer complaints, incidents, supplier information, and production data.
Under federal law, all auto manufacturers are required to notify NHTSA within five days of determining that there is a safety issue and promptly conduct a recall. If NHTSA determines that Toyota is in violation, they have the authority to seek civil penalties up to a maximum of $16.4 million.
In other Toyota recall news, the manufacturer plans to idle production at two assembly plants in Texas and Kentucky for a few days to reduce inventories, while dealerships try to clear out cars that have built up on their lots.
About 500,000 vehicles so far have been repaired for the sticky pedals, but reports of more complaints and deaths from sudden acceleration have been reported, which is common after the public hears becomes aware of the safety defect.
In other Toyota news, late last week the manufacturer announced a voluntary recall of 8,000 2010 model year Tacoma 4WD trucks to inspect the front drive shaft. The component may have cracks that could lead to a separation of the drive shaft at the joint. Dealers will inspect the area and may replace the front drive shaft in certain cases. Notification of owners will occur in mid-March.
Be sure to follow Consumer Reports Cars blog (RSS) and Twitter (@CRcars) to keep up with the latest safety information and advice, also see our car safety and unintended acceleration guides.
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