Toyota was fined $17.35 million for delaying the recall of problematic cars

Toyota was fined $17.35 million for delaying the recall of problematic cars (Alberta Times) Toyota accepted a record fine of $17.35 million from the U.S. government on Tuesday...

Toyota was fined $17.35 million for delaying the recall of problematic cars (Alberta Times) Toyota Motor Corp on Tuesday accepted a record $17.35 million fine from the U.S. government for failing to promptly report safety defects in its vehicles to the U.S. government, while insisting it did nothing wrong. In June, Toyota announced a recall of 154,036 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX450h vehicles because loose floor mats could depress the accelerator pedal. The Federal Ministry of Transport stated that the increase in fines was due to Toyota's failure to proactively take back the vehicles in a timely manner. From the end of 2009 to the beginning of 2011, certain models of Toyota vehicles were at risk of unexpected acceleration, resulting in the recall of nearly 19 million vehicles worldwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it notified Toyota in May because owners had raised numerous concerns about the floor mats. A month later Toyota told government regulators it was aware of 63 incidents and said it would issue a recall. Federal law requires automakers to notify government regulators and initiate recalls within five business days of identifying a safety defect. In 2010, the government conducted three separate investigations into Toyota's handling of car recalls, and Toyota was fined a total of $48.8 million. Regarding the safety issues that occurred, Toyota believed from the beginning that the floor mat affected the accelerator pedal, rather than an electronic system problem. In early 2011, Transportation Secretary LaHood said the findings of a federal investigation were generally consistent with Toyota's. U.S. auto safety regulators announced a recommendation in April this year to install brake override systems in all passenger cars and trucks that can still stop the vehicle if the accelerator pedal becomes stuck, likely starting with 2015 model years.