nhtsa

Earlier this year, NHTSA Chief Counsel Kevin Vincent said the auto industry isn't certain about whether the vehicles are safe after a crash.

He said the Harrison police 'will be issuing the final investigation report, including the information provided by Toyota and NHTSA. '

NHTSA said, however, that it has no specific reason to be concerned about vehicles other than the Volt.

'Toyota assured us that this would solve the problem, ' said Nicole Nason, then NHTSA's administrator.

The accident was similar to the 'long duration' type that had been excluded from NHTSA's first probe in 2004.

Toyota did not immediately comment on the NHTSA remarks.

But tension between NHTSA and Toyota continued to rise.

It is now focusing on possible problems with the design of the throttle pedal and the vehicles' electronics.

NHTSA analysis found drivers using hands-free technology talk on the phone with greater frequency and for longer intervals.

By the end of the month, Mr. Yon updated his NHTSA case file with a memo.

On Nov. 3, Toyota put out a statement saying NHTSA had concluded that 'no defect exists' in the recalled vehicles.

NHTSA blamed a floor mat, but she blames the electronics and says Toyota dismissed her concerns.

NHTSA can do its own testing, but it generally relies on manufacturers to supply technical data.

The NHTSA recently increased roof strength requirements for passenger cars but there aren't currently any on the books for commercial buses.

Lawmakers also pointed a finger at US safety regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

He praised the agency that deals with auto industry recalls, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA.

In five of the 58 vehicles NHTSA examined , the data recorders didn't record the conditions in the car at the time of the crash .

Instead, it is 'a background examination of the underlying technological issues, ' NHTSA said.

Most safety-minded consumers rely on the crash-test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The tests were conducted by NHTSA and the Energy and Defense departments at a defense facility near Hampton Roads, Va.

Odds are it would do well: Most BMW models get 19 out of 20 stars on the NHTSA front and side-impact crash-test ratings.

A '60 Minutes' spokesman said, 'There's nothing to add to the last update, broadcast 21 years ago, that included the NHTSA findings. '

The relationship soured even though Toyota had hired two former NHTSA officials to manage its ties with the agency.

Under NHTSA rules, automakers must be given an 18 month lead time on changes to future vehicle requirements.

We think the fold-down doors look awesome, but NHTSA thought they were too dangerous.

According to the NHTSA's Web site, the recall is due to a faulty drive shaft cover plate that could lead to a detached drive shaft.

Toyota defended its vehicles and the validity of prior NHTSA investigations as "exhaustive. "

The NHTSA warns that a detached lineshaft could damage the vehicle's gearbox housing, resulting in an oil leak.

GM and NHTSA have pointed out that cars with gasoline-powered engines are susceptible to fires after a crash.

NHTSA normally drains fuel from gasoline-powered cars after crash tests, they said.

According to the NHTSA's Web site, the recall is due to a faulty air intake duct.

To simplify the process, NHTSA released a list of cars eligible for the exemption.

The problem, according to NHTSA, was "the driver stepped on the gas rather than the brake or in addition to the brake" .

'NHTSA people expressed disbelief over Toyota's view, and we received some harsh words from them, ' Mr. Sasaki said.

Representatives of the NHTSA told members of Congress that brakes were simply not applied in 35 of the 58 cases they reviewed.

NHTSA estimates it will also save drivers up to $35 annually because of longer tread life and decreased fuel costs.

The hearing will also look at the NHTSA's response to reported problems, Mr. Stupak said.

It's common for NHTSA to work cooperatively with all auto makers in this way.

The data recorders analyzed by NHTSA were selected by the agency, not Toyota, based on complaints the drivers had filed with the government.

'We are hitting fatality rate levels we couldn't have imagined a decade ago, ' says NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson.

Safety testing hasn't raised concerns about electric vehicles other than the Volt, NHTSA said.

In fact, the NHTSA has been famously slow in adopting new roof crush standards.

The NHTSA gave the 2009 Audi Q5 five stars for both driver and passenger protection in front and side impact tests.

Previous tests adhered to the NHTSA's roof-strength standard of 2. 5 times the vehicle's weight.

At times, NHTSA gives car makers extra time to get replacement parts ready when recall notices go out.

NHTSA reported 124 complaints when it opened the investigation on Feb 3.

We are completely on the same page with NHTSA.

Here are safety tips from the NHTSA for drivers who travel through areas that have school children present

National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA

Source: Child Passenger Safety: A Parent's Primer NHTSA