Experts see NHTSA getting tougher on automaker recalls

Recent events involving Toyota's 2 recalls focused criticism on agency

Issues of "trust" between automakers, NHTSA being questioned

NHTSA considering issuing civil penalties against Toyota

At same time, will be going before 2 Congressional committees

NHTSA defending its efforts and says automakers must work w/ it

Automakers have history of pushing back recalls

NHTSA may be less likely to accept automakers' position at face value

Obama administration looking to increase NHTSA's staff

"I think that NHTSA has been stung by (the Toyota recalls) and they should be. They have been behind the eight ball and haven't used the authority given to them." -- Joan Claybrook, former administrator, NHTSA

"It's been in automakers' best interest to get information to NHTSA as quickly as possible. How can the government not be less likely to trust everyone at this point?" -- Nicole Nason, former administrator, NHTSA

"When the dust settles, there is going to be some significant shakeups of how things happen within the defects realm at NHTSA." -- Sean Kane, founder, Safety Research & Strategies