Congress intensifies Toyota recall probe

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional investigators sought documents and other information on Thursday from Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) and U.S. safety regulators about the automaker's recall of millions of vehicles due to sudden acceleration.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman said in a letter to Toyota executives and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that he would hold a hearing on February 25.

"Like many consumers, I am concerned by the seriousness and scope of Toyota's recent recall announcements," Waxman said in a statement.

"I look forward to learning more about the steps Toyota is taking to address safety defects, and I hope that the automaker will continue to cooperate with (NHTSA) to get unsafe vehicles off our roads."

Waxman said the hearing would address "how quickly and effectively" Toyota and regulators responded to consumer complaints about the safety of recalled vehicles.

Toyota is recalling nearly 6 million cars and trucks, including top sellers in North America, to address the risk of sticking accelerator pedals.

Toyota plans to modify or replace the pedals, but any remedy must be approved by NHTSA.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told reporters on Thursday he is satisfied with Toyota's response so far in recalling vehicles and halting production and sales of those models until a fix is in place.

"I have no criticism of Toyota on this. They are following the law," LaHood said.

(Reporting by John Crawley; additional reporting by Susan Heavey and Lisa Richwine; editing by Andre Grenon)