Toyota issues public apology, details plan to fix pedals

"First, I want to sincerely apologize to Toyota owners," Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota's U.S. sales, said in a video posted on the company's Web site. "I know that our recalls have caused many of you concern and for that I am truly sorry."

Later, in an interview on NBC's "Today" show, Lentz said the automaker first developed a technical report on the problem in late October. The recall for sticking pedals occurred Jan. 21.

Lentz denied that the company had been "dragging its feet" after years of complaints involving unintended acceleration and sought to assure the company's concerned customers.

"I drive Toyotas. My family members drive Toyotas," he said. "I would not have them in products that I knew were not safe."

By the end of the week, dealers should receive the parts to fix the sticky gas pedals, Toyota said. Some dealers will stay open 24 hours a day in order to make the repairs.