Washington, DC - Today, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) sent letters to Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requesting answers about Toyota’s recent recalls.  Reports of sudden vehicle acceleration prompted these recalls, although controversy surrounds Toyota’s handling of the recall and the company’s explanation of the cause of sudden acceleration in certain of its vehicle models. 

“I am in no way certain that Toyota’s explanation for the cause of incidents of sudden acceleration in its vehicles satisfies me,” said Dingell.  “Toyota’s responses to the questions my letter will hopefully clarify several points of contention related to the recalls and the incidents themselves that have been reported in the press.”

On February 25, 2010, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will convene a hearing to examine the Toyota recalls.  NHTSA will testify at that hearing, following criticism in the press that its response to the Toyota recalls has been poorly managed.

“NHTSA’s actions related to the Toyota recalls trouble me, especially as reports of sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles predate the recalls by at least two years,” according to Dingell.  “This case illustrates my fear that NHTSA may be limited by a lack of resources, whether in terms of funding, personnel, or statutory authority, to carry out its mandate.  I intend to ask frank questions to this effect at the Energy and Commerce Committee hearing later this month, which I hope will present a fair opportunity for both Toyota and NHTSA to engage members of Congress in an open and honest dialogue about the pertinent matters at hand.”

 

 

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