Adding more fuel to the Toyota recall fire, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said on Wednesday that owners of recalled Toyota models should stop driving their cars immediately. LaHood made the announcement in front of a House Appropriations subcommittee on transportation.
LaHood initially warned drivers of recalled Toyota models to “exercise caution until repairs can be madeâ€, then upped his warning, advising owners to “stop driving†altogether.
Today LaHood has come out and told reporters that his comment was “obviously a misstatement,” and that he instead is suggesting drivers take their vehicles to dealers to get them properly repaired.
LaHood’s advice to park all recalled vehicles doesn’t bode well for Toyota . Earlier today, LaHood revealed that Toyota only issued its latest 2.3 million unit recall for faulty accelerator pedals after heavy pressure from federal officials. Toyota’s sterling reputation for quality appears to be tarnishing, with the end effect of the wave of recalls yet to be realized.
Following the spread of LaHood’s advice not to drive affected Toyotas, Toyota’s stock, which was already down 3 percent, fell another 4 percent. Since LaHood corrected his statement the stock has managed a partial recovery.
The first of two hearings involving Toyota’s recall problems is scheduled for February 5th, with the second slated for later this month.
