OAKLAND, CALIF. (CN) - A longtime auditor for New United Manufacturing, which makes parts for co-defendants Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Corp., claims New United altered her reports to disguise mass defects in autos that put the public at risk, and harassed and fired her for doing her job.
Katy Cameron's claim states she has been an auditor for New United (NUMMI) since 1985. She claims NUMMI altered her reports that cited numerous problems with parts for the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Tacoma, and Pontiac Vibe, which were shipped to dealers across the USA.
"Initially, minor changes were made to defects that would not harm consumers," her complaint states in Alameda County Court. "However, in 2005, the report alterations became more substantial and NUMMI management routinely deleted or downgraded significant and serious defect's from Cameron's audit reports, which could have resulted in physical harm and injury to purchasers of NUMMI vehicles across the United States".
She cites these problems: defective seat belts; missing or low levels of brake, transmission and power steering containers; non-functioning electrical items, including headlights and turn signals; engine wiring and piping problems; water leaks throughout the interior; mirrors falling off; brake, transmission, coolant, engine oil and power steering leaks; steering wheel alignment defects; and other problems.
She claims that in response to her truthful reports, NUMMI engaged in an escalating campaign of harassment, including threats, defamation, demotion and attempted assault.
She demands punitive damages. She is represented by Kelly Armstrong of San Francisco. See complaint.
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