Is NTHSA providing adequate oversight?
One of the more interesting facets of the recent recall drama for Toyota and Lexus is the role that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) has played in the reporting and investigation of complaints by consumers. The NTHSA’s website states that its mission is to “save lives, prevent injuries and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes, through education, research, safety standards and enforcement activity.” Despite the stated mission, reports continue to surface that NHTSA did not do enough in response to consumer reports of “sticky” gas pedals and failing breaks.
Recently, USA Today reported that insurance giant State Farm claims to have notified NTHSA in 2007 of reports of increased claims related to sudden acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Congress is getting involved as well. The House Oversight and Energy committees will hold hearing on the recalls and NTHSA’s response in the coming weeks, although the most recent attempts have been delayed by the bad weather in the D.C. We will keep you posted.
