NHTSA Investigates Toyota
WASHINGTON - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was quickly investigating hundreds of new complaints about recalled Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles, as the automaker sought to contain the fallout on several fronts, The Detroit News reported.
NHTSA reported that it has now received complaints alleging 34 deaths linked to sudden unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles since 2000.
Government records also show nearly 1,000 new braking complaints about the recalled Toyota Prius in recent weeks.
At a meeting with dealers in Florida on Monday, Toyota tried to calm fears as it reported that more than 500,000 recalled vehicles have been repaired.
The automaker also said it is considering increasing incentives or extending warranties as part of its response to the recalls, which have made some consumers wary of Toyota products.
Last week, Toyota recalled 437,000 Priuses and other hybrids worldwide over concerns the brakes could lose power over bumpy or icy terrain. The automaker has announced a software upgrade to address that problem.
Toyota also has recalled 2.3 million vehicles in the United States to fix sticky gas pedals and 5.4 million because the pedal can be trapped by a floor mat. About 8,000 Tacoma pickups were called back because of a possible propeller shaft crack that could cause a driver to lose control.
More Industry

Ownership Priorities are Shifting
A new survey shows that in the U.S. vehicle quality for generation Z is largely defined by advanced safety features, intuitive technology and premium sound systems.
Read More →
Pump Price Jump Calculated
ISeeCars.com examined fuel costs for different power trains, finding which ones have experienced the biggest hits since the war in Iran commenced.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Wholesale values fell last week despite the spring season still being in the traditional full-gear mode, analysts said.
Read More →
Arkansas Auto Group Acquires First Indiana Rooftop
Performance Brokerage Services represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Carver Toyota of Columbus by Carlock Automotive Group.
Read More →
Stellantis to Dive Into U.S. Lending
The multinational maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and multiple other brands received conditional approvals for a Utah-based industrial bank.
Read More →
New-Vehicle Prices Rise
With April sales down, higher prices on in-demand large vehicles helped inflate the overall ATP, though increases were under long-term averages, Cox Automotive reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Last week in the wholesale automotive market proved to be a mixed bag, analysts reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Conversion rates were flat last week at 63%, Black Book analysts calculated, as low-mileage and almost-near units outpaced the overall market.
Read More →
EU Auto Association Urges Action
Trade relations between the European Union and the U.S. are at risk, causing the European Automobile Manufacturers Association to push lawmakers to make a decision.
Read More →
Driving into the Super CFC Era
Understanding the risks and benefits of retail accounting and Super CFCs can help you better present options to your dealer partners.
Read More →