Govt to probe Toyota delay in '05 steering recall (similar recall in Japan nearly a year earlier)

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government is investigating whether Toyota delayed a 2005 recall in the U.S. over defective steering rods in trucks and SUVs, despite issuing a similar recall in Japan nearly a year earlier.

The Transportation Department said Monday it was conducting a new review into the gap between the Japanese and U.S. recalls. Automakers must notify the government of a safety defect within five business days of learning of the problem.

Toyota claimed initially after the 2004 Japanese recall that it had little evidence of a U.S. problem. But an investigation by The Associated Press has found the automaker had received at least 52 reports from U.S. drivers.

The automaker could face another fine of up to $16.4 million.

Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TOYOTA_STEERING_RECALL?SITE=SCCOL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[PSPS]

1. Gee, what a surprise. Another incident of the bush appointee getting bribed to look the other way.