According to the USA Today, Toyota Motor Company Could Face Criminal Charges Related To Safety Recalls

Recent complaints against Toyota Motor Corporation which have triggered a federal probe into reporting of acceleration defects, a congressional investigation and a growing number of civil lawsuits may have also created the possibility of criminal charges being brought against Toyota.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the timeliness of Toyota's reporting of its sudden-acceleration complaints and repairs, and the Transportation Department has disclosed that it will seek the maximum civil fine of $16.4 million from Toyota.

The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act, created following the rollover recalls in 2000 involving Ford Explorers and Firestone tires, subjects individuals who intentionally mislead federal regulators about safety defects to possible criminal fines and/or prison.

Toyota has revealed that a federal grand jury in the Southern District of New York has issued subpoenas for documents relating to sudden acceleration in various Toyota vehicles and braking issues in the Prius.. The grand jury subpoenas indicate that the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York has initiated a criminal investigation.

Tags: Law | Auto | toyota | NHTSA | TRED | Prius

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