The U.S. has reached a $1.2 billion settlement with Toyota Motor Corp., concluding a four-year criminal investigation into the Japanese automaker's disclosure of safety problems focused on whether Toyota was forthright in reporting problems related to unintended acceleration troubles.
Toyota has blamed drivers, stuck accelerators or floor mats that trapped the gas pedal for the acceleration claims that led to the big recalls of Camry's and other vehicles. The company has repeatedly denied its vehicles are flawed.
However, two months ago an Oklahoma jury awarded $3 million in damages to the injured driver of a 2005 Camry and to the family of a passenger who was killed.
The ruling was significant because Toyota had won all previous unintended acceleration cases that went to trial. It was also the first case where attorneys for plaintiffs argued that the car's electronics - in this case the software connected to a midsize Camry's electronic throttle-control system - were the cause of the unintended acceleration.
Jurors said they believed the testimony of an expert who said he found flaws in the car's electronics.
What do you think? Crackdown or shakedown?
U.S., Toyota Reach $1.2 Billion Settlement Over Its Disclosure Of Safety Problems