The American Repossessor

Putting the petal to the metal has taken on a new meaning for Toyota owners. The ever-popular auto line up is now in the midst of the largest recall in American history, due to a problem with sticking gas petals, which was announced on January 21st, 2010.

According to a press release, the auto giant said, “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position,”

The problem applies to 2.3 million vehicles.

With the auto industry hart hit by the recession, the recall could spell deep trouble for the future of Toyota, due in part, to the suspension of sales of 8 of their most popular models. (see list below)

For years, the reputation for quality has kept cars like the Camry and Corolla at the top of the best-sellers list. Now some customers are trying to give them back.

Shortly after learning about the recall, a woman in Dallas, TX, tried to give her newly purchased 2010 Camry back to the dealer. The dealer refused and threatened to blemish the woman’s credit with a repossession if she didn’t keep the car and make the payments.

Since several deaths have already occurred due to the sticking gas petals, issues surrounding the recall will inevitably end up in court. The outcomes, along with what may be irreparable damage to the company’s reputation, could spell the end of Toyota as we know it.