Pocono News Section

Toyota Troubles Continue to Grow

Toyota Troubles Continue to Grow - Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 6:15PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Wednesday, Feb 3, 2010 @ 06:15pm EST
Is Toyota's repair really the answer for the automaker's stuck accelerator? We've learned the government still thinks it could be an electronic problem, which would be a lot more serious and costly.

And Toyota has a new problem: more than 100 reports that the brakes on its new Prius hybrid don't work. The company's investigating.

On the gas pedal recall, the transportation secretary turned up the heat today, promising to call Japan to hold the company's feet to the fire, and offered surprising advice to owners.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, "If anybody owns one of these vehicles - stop driving it!"

Minutes later he explained, "What I meant to say, what I thought I said was, if you own one of these cars, or if you're in doubt, take it to the dealer and they're gonna fix it."

Dealers are getting repair parts now, optimistic they'll work. "This really solves a lot of the issues, the concerns that people have. I think this will negate any concerns," said one owner.

But the government's not so sure. Despite Toyota's assurances, transportation officials are still investigating whether electronics - system failure or interference - might cause the accelerator to stick.

"We are looking at these complaints to see what they are, and we will work with the car manufacturers," added LaHood.

Owners are anxious to get their cars in after blaming accidents on Toyota's sticking pedal.

Secretary LaHood reemphasized that it took government persuasion and a trip to Japan to get Toyota to take this issue seriously.