U.S. criticizes Toyota for 'misleading' public in recall

David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau

Washington -- The government sharply criticized Toyota Motor Corp. Wednesday for its "inaccurate and misleading" suggestion that sudden acceleration in some vehicles bound for recall may be due only to improperly fitting floor mats.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's criticism of Toyota's statement is the latest hit to the automaker's reputation from what will be the largest safety recall in its history: 3.8 million vehicles.

NHTSA said Toyota inaccurately suggested in a press release this week that the agency had concluded "that no defect exists in vehicles in which the driver's floor mat is compatible with the vehicle and properly secured," the agency said in a statement.

"It was never our intention to mislead or provide inaccurate information. Toyota agrees with NHTSA's position that the removal of the floor mats is an interim measure and that further vehicle-based action is required," said Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons.

"We are in the process of developing vehicle-based remedies to help avoid the potential for an unsecured or incompatible floor mat to trap the accelerator pedal."

On Monday, Toyota refuted suggestions that other defects might be causing the accidental acceleration, and pointed to the government's decision not to investigate a consumer complaint.

Bob Carter, general manager of the Toyota-brand division of Toyota Motor Sales USA, told reporters there is "absolutely no evidence" pointing to a defect other than poor-fitting floor mats.

Sean Kane, president of Massachusetts-based Safety Research & Strategies, said Toyota was "waving the agency's denial of the latest petition for a defect investigation like a victory banner."

While NHTSA hasn't found a vehicle-based defect that is causing unwanted acceleration, "it doesn't mean there isn't one," he said. "It just means that the agency hasn't found it."

NHTSA says removing the recalled floor mats is the most immediate way to address the safety risk.

"But it is simply an interim measure. This remedy does not correct the underlying defect in the vehicles involving the potential for entrapment of the accelerator by floor mats, which is related to accelerator and floor pan design," the agency said.