Toyota paid record $16.4 million fine for sticky pedals

Consumer Reports News: May 19, 2010 02:28 PM

Toyota has paid the $16.4 million fine imposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for failing to report the problems with the sticky accelerator and slow-to-return pedals, according to The New York Times. The fine is the largest civil penalty ever assessed against an auto manufacturer by NHTSA. The money will go to the Treasury's general fund, according to the Times report.

On April 19th, Toyota agreed to pay the settlement "to avoid a protracted dispute and possible litigation." The company had 30 days to pay the fine.

Information supplied to NHTSA shows that Toyota knew about problems with the sticky pedals on September 29th 2009, and did not promptly inform NHTSA as required. The recalls occurred four months later in January and have included approximately 2.3 million vehicles. (Read: "Toyota recalls 3.8 million cars to modify gas pedals, carpets, and software.")

To find out if your vehicle is part of this recall, see safercar.gov or visit Toyota.com/recall.

—Jeff Bartlett

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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Toyota paid record $16.4 million fine for sticky pedals

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