Toyota Recall Fuels Confusion, Anger
For the world's biggest automaker the problem seems to get bigger every day as millions of Toyota owners wonder if the vehicles they're driving are safe, reports CBS News correspondent Jeff Glor.
"I would really hate to be on the highway, and then be going at a top rate speed, and not be able to control the vehicle," said Toyota owner Barbara Griggs. "I am definitely concerned about this situation."
Toyota Answers Questions about Gas Pedal Recall
Today's recall involves five models: 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza, 2009-2010 Matrix, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe.
Toyota said today they are closing in on solutions to a gas pedal problem that now affects more than 2.4 million vehicles and that today spread beyond the United States to China and Europe. But they still have no details on exactly when drivers will see repairs or how.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee plans to launch an investigation into the problem Friday, with an hearing coming next week, CBS News learned late Thursday.
Hotsheet: House Committee Plans Toyota Investigation
At issue, in part, is a problem with the accelerator, which in rare cases gets stuck - possibly because of condensation build up that makes it unable to spring back properly. One consumer group says that has led to more than 2,000 incidents since 1999, including at least 275 crashes and 18 deaths.
"The tires were smoking, the brakes were smoking from riding the brakes for about five miles," said one driver.
Toyota has pointed to the maker of the accelerator, CTS, which says its ramped up production of redesigned pedals.
But that still leaves current drivers in limbo. What do to with their vehicles?
"My wife freaked out this morning and feels it's very unsafe to drive the car and said, 'we can't drive the car,'" one Toyota driver said.
For Toyota, it's a still-developing business embarrassment.
"I think in the short term it's going to be very damaging for Toyota and the Toyota fans and loyalists," said Jessica Caldwell of Edmunds.com.
But for millions of drivers, a life and death concern.
Read more about the Toyota recall at CBSNews.com:
Ford Stops Some China Vehicle Production
Toyota Part-Maker Gets Unwanted Spotlight
Toyota Took Short Cuts in Drive to Top
Toyota's Massive Recall Snowballs
Toyota Recalls 1M More Vehicles
Toyota Recall Not Result of Simple Glitch
GM Tries to Lure Wary Toyota Owners
Toyota's Sales Halt Deals Blow to Image
