$29m settlement over gas pedal defect

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The Rhode Island Attorney General's office and Toyota announced a settlement Thursday over allegations that the auto maker concealed safety issues related to unintended acceleration.

Thirty states will share in the $29 million payment. It relates to Toyota vehicle recalls between 2005 and 2010, whose gas pedals were getting stuck under floor mats.

Rhode Island's share will be about $510,000, and Toyota is making additional restitution and giving other incentives to vehicle owners as well.

"Consumers are faced with many choices when purchasing a vehicle... Companies that continue to put profits ahead of consumer safety will be held accountable," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin in a news release.

The states alleged Toyota engaged in unfair and deceptive practices by not disclosing known safety defects with accelerator pedals.

Toyota is also prohibited from re-selling any vehicle that has these alleged safety defects -- without telling the prospective buyer about them, and certifying the vehicle has been fixed.

In response, Christopher P. Reynolds, group vice president and general counsel, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A, and chief legal officer, Toyota Motor North America, said:

“Resolving this inquiry is another step we are taking to turn the page on legacy issues from Toyota’s past recalls in a way that benefits our customers.  Immediately after this inquiry was launched in 2010, Toyota began cooperating fully with the Attorneys General and implementing ‘customer-first’ initiatives to address their concerns and those of our customers.  Today, we are pleased to have reached a cooperative agreement that reflects the commitment of Toyota’s 37,000 North American team members to put customers first in everything we do.”

Consumers affected by the settlement can contact Toyota and Lexus at the following phone numbers:

• Toyota: 1-800-331-4331
• Lexus: 1-800-255-3987

The lines are staffed from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday, and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern.