CNN news 2010-02-09 加文本

2010-02-09 cnn

The Toyota tribulations. If you own one, you almost have to be wondering, what the heck is next? Crisis of confidence clouded by confusion. Now the Prius has a huge problem.

Toyota says that a glitch in the electronic brakes could cause a delay when you step on the pedal. They say it only affects 2010 models sold last year. And it's those very same cars that are being credited with Toyota's cash cow.

New numbers just out say they made $1.7 billion last quarter, but it won't last for long. For the first time, Toyota is admitting it's going to take a huge beating due to this gas pedal nightmare. $2 billion for repairs and lost sales.

But those are just numbers. What about the people who plunked down 30 grand of their hard-earned money for something that they're now afraid to drive?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LAURA PAULSON, TOYOTA CUSTOMER: I felt it took off like a rocket, and I immediately hit the brakes hard, and I was laying out, stretched out on the breaks, which had no effect.

They're recalling the -- throttle and the accelerator mechanism but I -- and floor mats, but I don't believe that's the problem.

We feel it's an unsafe vehicle. It's a loaded gun. It can happen anytime. We just don't feel comfortable in it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Again, eight Toyota models recalled so far for sticky gas pedals. Millions of cars. It's unknown just how many accidents were caused by the pedal problem. Not surprisingly Toyota says they're still safe to drive.

Well, making things worse and adding to the confusion, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Capitol Hill -- he was asked his advice for Toyota drivers.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RAY LAHOOD, TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY: My advice is if anybody owns one of these vehicles, stop driving it, take it to a Toyota dealer, because they believe they have a fix for it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Did he really say that? Stop driving your Toyota right now? Basically telling millions of people to get right to their dealers because Toyota thinks they can fix it?

Well, with some time to ponder the point, would LaHood stand by his statement? No.