U.S. Sees 'No Reason' to Challenge Toyota Fix
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is satisfied with a plan by Toyota Motor Corp. to address a massive recall by fixing or replacing defective accelerator pedals, according to a statement from the U.S. Transportation Department reported by Automotive News.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reviewed the automaker's plan to install new parts in existing accelerator systems or replace them entirely.
Owners who opt for a repair now at dealers may later receive a new pedal when it is available, NHTSA said in a consumer advisory.
NHTSA is not required to approve Toyota's approach but can object if it does not believe the solution is adequate.
"Toyota has announced its remedy and based on its current knowledge, NHTSA has no reason to challenge this remedy," the agency said in a statement.
No deaths or injuries are suspected in cases of sticking pedals, the government said.
NHTSA has launched a separate investigation of CTS Corp., the supplier of the faulty pedal assemblies to Toyota, to determine if "proper and timely notice" has been given to its customers.
Regulators also want to see if additional defect notices and possible recalls are required by other manufacturers who may have installed defective CTS accelerator pedals, NHTSA said.
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