Toyota SA could recall three models

The Verso - one of the three Toyota models that may need to be recalled. Image: quickpic.co.za

"Toyota has not excluded any other vehicle yet and will be in a position to clearly communicate which model ranges and specific date ranges for those recalled models by next week (the week of 8-12 February)," it said.

CNNMoney.com reported on Thursday that the total number of vehicles Toyota Motor Corp. has had to recall for accelerator-pedal related issues now comes to 8.1 million, the carmaker confirmed on Thursday.

This figure includes a total of 5.8 million vehicles recalled, around the world, for an issue in which accelerator pedals could become stuck in floor mats. Of those, 5.3 million are being recalled in the United States.

A total of 4.5 million vehicles, worldwide, are being recalled for a problem in which gas pedals, as they wear, can become sticky and not come all the way back up when the driver takes his foot off the pedal.

Of those, 2.3 million are under recall in the US.

A total of 2.1 million vehicles around the world are subject to both recalls.

In addition to the United States, the recalls are also occurring in Europe and Asia.

Toyota officials estimate the total cost of the global recall could be as much as $2 billion, including the loss of 100 000 vehicle sales in the United States and Europe.