Things are going from bad to worse for Toyota.
Wednesday the world's top automaker recalled and suspended sales of eight models in North America due to problems with faulty gas pedals and floor mats.
Now recall has been extended to Europe and China.
Here in Montreal, Toyota owners are rushing to dealerships to have their vehicles inspected.
Micheline St. Onge, who owns a 2010 Corolla, came as soon as she heard about the recall.
"I want to know what they're going to do about it," said St. Onge.
The recall affects 2009 and 2010 models of the Toyota Highlander, Corolla, Venza, Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe, because these vehicles use a gas pedal produced at a plant in Ontario.
The pedals have locked, reportedly dozens of times in the U.S., and five times in Canada.
Toyota says it's rare, but serious enough to prompt the world's largest car company to suspend sales of their top models.
"For Toyota it is a major hit from a public relations standpoint and also from a cost standpoint," said automotive journalist Gabriel Gelinas.
In the coming days, Toyota will be sending out letters to owners affected by the recall, while dealers are inspecting gas pedals.
Ford's Chinese production is also affected by the gas pedal recall.
Some Ford trucks, sold only in China, use the same pedal.
What to do in an emergency
Toyota has tips for any driver who experiences a gas pedal lockup.
- Put the car in neutral
- Apply even pressure to the brake
- Pull over
- Have the car towed to the dealer
