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Re-activateNHTSA is continuing to investigate what Toyota knew about other defects, such as the potential for floor-mat interference with the accelerators in Toyota Camrys and other cars. NHTSA launched an investigation in 2007 into floor mat entrapment in the Lexus ES 350 and the Toyota Camry, which ended in a minor recall of floor mats in the two cars. But the floor mat recall announced last October involves more than floor mats and affects many more Toyota and Lexus models. Further findings could result in additional fines.
Joan Claybrook, former administrator of NHTSA, has said the $16.4 million fine represents a drop in the bucket for a billion dollar automaker such as Toyota. In its public recommendations on unintended acceleration, Consumers Union, the parent company of Consumer Reports, has also recommended raising the maximum fine as a deterrent for future violations of the law.
Toyota has an opportunity to contest the fine. Since our original post, the automaker has released a statement:"We have already taken a number of important steps to improve our communications with regulators and customers on safety-related matters as part of our strengthened overall commitment to quality assurance. These include the appointment of a new Chief Quality Officer for North America and a greater role for the region in making safety-related decisions."
Update: 4/6/10
Be sure to follow Consumer Reports Cars blog (RSS) and Twitter (@CRcars) to keep up with the latest information and advice, also see our unintended acceleration guide.
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