NHTSA Reviewing Toyota Corolla Complaints
Complaints about steering problems with the Toyota Corolla are being reviewed by U.S. regulators, and could prove to be the newest safety headache for the automaker.
Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles for safety problems over the past several weeks. In January, it recalled eight models for problems with unintended acceleration. And just yesterday, the automaker recalled 400,000 hybrid vehicles, including the 2010 Prius and the Lexus HS250h, to fix their breaks.
All of these recalls have put a serious dent in Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability. The January recall also created huge legal headaches for the automaker, which now faces at least 35 lawsuits filed by customers in the U.S. and Canada alleging, among other things, negligence and unjust enrichment. So problems with the popular Corolla is the last thing Toyota needs right now.
According to various media reports, the. U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reviewing a number of complaints involving steering on the 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla, and may open a formal probe.
According to a report in Automotive News, the Corolla has been the subject of 83 power-steering complaints to the NHTSA. At least 76 of those reports involved the Corolla unexpectedly veers to the left or right at 40 miles an hour and up. The complaints cite 10 injuries resulting from six accidents.
Once the NHTSA completes a review of the Corolla complaints, it will decided whether or not a formal investigation is warranted.
