US to probe Toyota delay in 2005 steering recall

WASHINGTON: The US government is investigating whether Toyota delayed a 2005 recall in the US over defective steering rods in trucks and SUVs, despite issuing a similar recall in Japan nearly a year earlier.

The Transportation Department said on Monday it was conducting a new review into the gap between the Japanese and U.S. recalls.

Automakers must notify the government of a safety defect within five business days of learning of the problem.

Toyota claimed initially after the 2004 Japanese recall that it had little evidence of a US problem.



But an investigation by The Associated Press has found the automaker had received at least 52 reports from US drivers.

The automaker could face another fine of up to $16.4 million.