NEW YORK (AP) _ Toyota says it has received a subpoena from a U.S. federal grand jury, indicating that a criminal investigation of its safety problems has begun.
The Japanese automaker says the documents being sought are related to unintended acceleration in its vehicles and the braking system of its Prius hybrid.
Toyota says it and its U.S. sales affiliate also received a document request from the Securities and Exchange Commission, seeking documents related to unintended acceleration and Toyota’s disclosure policies and practices.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York declined to comment, saying it does not confirm or deny its investigations as a matter of policy.
Congress is also looking into Toyota’s safety issues. Two House committees are holding hearings this week on the recall of 8.5 million vehicles to deal with safety problems involving gas pedals, floor mats and brakes.