Independent consultants have advised Japanese automaker Toyota to begin a full assessment of its quality control procedures in the wake of the company’s massive recalls.

Toyota has faced scrutiny from a number of independent bodies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who slapped the company with a $16.4 million dollar fine for failing to respond properly to recalls. The company has vowed to improve its safety, but it has also run into trouble with its independent experts.

E-mails obtained by the Associated Press showed that the company was not pleased with the work of independent hire Professor David Gilbert, whose findings showed that electronics may be to blame in the vehicles’ failings. Exponent, a consulting firm hired by the automaker, was criticized by a House committee for its past results that seemed to always favor the auto industry.

The consultants’ recommended that Toyota beef up their quality controls. Toyota has publicly apologized for the safety issues and plans to spend millions to improve its safety and consumer complaint divisions.

While Toyota sorts out its mechanical issues, prospective car buyers may want to consider a used Toyota, as the early-decade models are well-known for their safety and reliability.

Toyota has recalled over 8.5 million vehicles since October.