WASHINGTON ��" The government says Toyota has agreed to pay a record $16.4 million fine for failing to properly notify federal authorities about a dangerous pedal defect. The fine is the largest-ever penalty paid by an automaker to the US government. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says that by failing to report safety problems, Toyota put consumers at risk. The penalty is connected to a January recall of 2.3 million vehicles with sticking accelerator pedals. The government says Toyota knew about the problem in late September and failed to report the defect within five business days, as required by law.
