There's been some evidence that Toyota knew about the problem some time ago. I don't think there is any conspiracy. Just several models using the same part.

>The Toyota recall for sticky gas pedals has been striking me as fishy for a while. Now Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is recommending that people who own these vehicles not drive them at all until taking them to a Toyota dealership for service.
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>http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/03/news/companies/dot_toyota_lahood/index.htm?hpt=T1
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>Is this an unwarranted conspiracy theory on my part? It just seems awfully convenient for the domestic automakers with their business in the toilet and Toyota being the #1 manufacturer. They wouldn't be ginning this story up behind the scenes, would they?