The beleaguered Japanese motor manufacturer Toyota is having to recall millions of vehicles worldwide after concerns about sticking accelerator pedals.

Earlier this week the company announced it was recalling over seven million vehicles in the US and the problem has now spread to Europe and China.

Apparently there have been instances of accelerator pedals sticking down or only slowly returning to the idle position. In November last year the company recalled 4.2 million vehicles in the US because of problems with floor mats coming loose and causing pedals to stick. The new problem is thought to be caused by wear to the mechanisms.

No announcement has been made yet about recalls in the UK but Toyota has confirmed that it will be recalling models in this country when it has worked out exactly which are affected, although there is speculation that the US-built RAV4 will be included. The models affected in the US include the 2008-2010 Highlander, the 2009-2010 Corolla, Venza, Mtrix and Pontiac Vibe. Toyota has suspended production of eight models in total at its US factories, but does not intend to do the same in Europe.

Motoring groups in this country are advising Toyota owners to contact their local dealers if they are experiencing any problems.

The situation could not come at a worse time for the Japanese manufacturer which suffered its first full-year loss in the 2008 financial year. The company pulled the plug on its Formula One operation at the end of last season in an effort to save money and the latest news has sent shares tumbling.

Toyota has also announced that around 750 jobs could be lost at its Burnaston plant in the UK by August this year.