Toyota is expanding massive recall

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - More trouble for Toyota owners: the company is expanding its already massive recall.

The crisis facing Toyota is deepening, that's for sure. The recall now includes Europe and China. Locally, Toyota dealers seem to be doing their best to handle the fallout, but they're not saying much to the media.

It wasn't easy to tell if the snow covered Toyotas at West Herr in Amherst were among the eight models affected by a massive government demanded recall. Local Toyota dealers refused to comment; they referred News 4 to the automaker. The Car Coach, Lauren Fix, wasn't surprised.

"It's frustrating on part of the dealers because when you're a dealer you don't own Toyota," said Fix. She added, "It hurts the dealer financially."

The 'Not for Sale' signs are going up at Toyota dealerships across the country and now Europe. The Automaker is recalling 2.3 million vehicles, including top sellers like the Camry and Corollo, because of a faulty gas pedal problem.

"It's going to make a huge impact on their brand equity. Many will be loyal no matter what, "Once a Toyota always a Toyota," but there will be others looking for something else because, I have doubt," said Fix.

And rival automakers are already capitalizing on the opportunity.

Fix said, "Offering incentives. $1,500 discounts. Anything they can because they see a flawed chink for Toyota whose been nothing but the best since day one."

Toyota stopped selling and producing the vehicles in question while it figures out how to fix the problem. Owners will be notified by their dealer once a remedy is found. Toyota owner Casey Helfred is on pins and needles.

"This morning while on my way to work, I was driving and I wondered, 'Should I get in the right lane, in case something happens?'" said Helfred.

If your gas pedal does stick, Fix offers this advice:

"If you are in a situation and your gas pedal is stuck on your car, put the car in neutral. Get car to the side of the road and shut it off," said Fix.

She is especially concerned about people who recently bought used Toyotas who may be unaware of the gas pedal problem.

Fix said, "Make sure to tell them to call their dealer because you want people safe on the road. It doesn't only affect them. You too if the accelerator sticks, they might hit your car."

Fix also pointed out what some of you might not know. She claims the Pontiac Vibe is also being recalled. It's basically a Toyota Matrix with a different label.

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

* 2009-2010 RAV4
* 2009-2010 Corolla
* 2009-2010 Matrix
* 2005-2010 Avalon
* Certain 2007-2010 Camry
* 2010 Highlander except hybrid models
* 2007-2010 Tundra
* 2008-2010 Sequoia

For more information, visit Toyota's web site .