In a significant development, automotive giant Toyota recently confirmed that it is under a federal criminal investigation by a New York grand jury regarding alleged defects in steering relay rods. The probe follows an earlier report by ABC News concerning a delay in recalling certain Toyota vehicles despite earlier action in Japan.
According to Toyota spokeswoman Celeste Migliore, a subpoena was issued on June 29 seeking documents “related to defective, broken and/or fractured steering relay rods.” Toyota and its subsidiaries have stated their intention to cooperate fully.
The investigation stems in part from a recall that Toyota did in the United States only in September 2005, for older models of the T100 pickup truck (1993-98), the 4Runner (1989-95) and the Toyota “Truck” (1989-95). Toyota had earlier initiated a similar recall in Japan in October 2004.
During discovery in related litigation, Toyota reportedly turned over 40 previously undisclosed complaints by U.S. owners about steering rod problems prior to October 2004.
Role of John Kristensen
John Kristensen represents the family of 18-year-old Levi Stewart of Fairfield, Idaho. Levi died in 2007 in a rollover crash of his Toyota truck, which the family alleges was caused by a broken steering relay rod that eliminated vehicle steering control.
John Kristensen commented:
“We have always contended that Toyota knew Americans were getting in accidents because their defective steering relay rods broke before the Japan only recall of 2004. Toyota misled NHTSA and the American public when they claimed they had no similar information from the U.S. market.”
Significance & Implications
The fact that a grand jury is now investigating the matter—coupled with a parallel inquiry by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)—raises the stakes considerably. Former NHTSA administrator Joan Claybrook noted that “it is very rare there’s a grand jury investigation involving a safety defect of a motor vehicle.”
For consumers and claimants, this development could signal greater legal leverage where manufacturers delayed recalls or failed to alert the public despite early warnings. For legal counsel, it underscores the importance of aggressive discovery and document demands in product-liability cases.
What This Means for Clients
If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash involving a Toyota vehicle from the model years listed above (or similar defects are suspected), you should consult experienced counsel immediately. John Kristensen and his team are actively investigating these claims and are prepared to assist with evaluation of your case, including potential wrongful-death, personal injury and product-liability litigation.
This matter remains under investigation. John Kristensen will continue to monitor developments and keep clients and prospective clients apprised of key milestones.