LaHood tells owners of recalled Toyotas to stop driving vehicles, seek repairs from dealer

LaHood says don’t drive recalled Toyotas til fixed

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is telling owners of recalled Toyotas to stop driving the vehicles and get them fixed.

LaHood’s warning came Wednesday in testimony before a House Appropriations subcommittee on transportation. LaHood says his advice to owners is to “stop driving it. Take it to a Toyota dealer because they believe they have a fix for it.”

Toyota’s most recent recall in the United States affects 2.3 million vehicles with the potential for sticking gas pedals.

LaHood told reporters earlier in the day that Toyota owners should contact their dealer immediately and “exercise caution until repairs can be made.”

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he plans to speak with Toyota President Akio Toyoda about the automaker’s spate of recalls in the United States. LaHood confirms that the government is investigating potential electrical problems in Toyota vehicles.

LaHood said Wednesday he will call Toyoda in the coming days to make sure the Japanese automaker is aware of the government’s concerns about safety issues with Toyota vehicles.

The secretary says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will conduct an investigation into electronic throttle control systems and potential electromagnetic interference in the nation’s fleet of vehicles.

LaHood says the government “has the resources” to conduct the investigation.