Japanese auto giant also charged with insurance fraud , but prosecution failed . GM admitted to misleading consumers and regulators over unintended acceleration . It initiated massive investigations in 2009 - 2010 following stepped up pressure from regulators . The Justice Department is now looking at how General Motors handled ignition switch problems .
Japanese auto giant also charged with wire fraud , but prosecution deferred . Toyota admitted to misleading consumers and regulators over unintended acceleration . It initiated massive recalls in 2009-10 following stepped up pressure from regulators . The Justice Department is now looking at how General Motors handled ignition switch problems .