The latest buzz about Toyota Motor Corp.'s recall issue has turned into a major disappointment for the world's biggest car maker. Recalling around 8.5 million vehicles world-wide to sort out problems with gas pedals, brakes and other systems in some models is definitely an uphill task.

The acceleration problems are reported to have caused as many as 34 deaths in the U. S. The company received subpoenas from a Federal Grand Jury and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This has created fear in almost all the top brands. All car manufacturers are now more vigilant after the Toyota issue. Seeing Toyota's ordeal, some other Japanese carmakers issued recalls on Thursday. Suzuki Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co. and Daihatsu Motor Co. recalled a combined total of more than 500,000 vehicles in Japan and overseas.

It is not surprising that the recalls have put a burden of around 2 billion Dollars on Toyota. In the middle of the series of recalls, Toyota is considering adding a multiple tap function to the start/stop button for vehicles to deactivate engines as an extra safety layer in emergency situations.

The fix could make it easier to turn off engines in cases of accelerator malfunctions in cars with keyless ignition systems.

Toyota's earlier issue had not yet subsided, when it faced a new predicament in the form of its Tacoma pickup trucks. The Tacoma trouble is the latest embarrassment for the world's biggest automaker, which has recalled millions of vehicles in past months due to problems linked to accelerator and brake functions. Tacoma vehicles were recalled after US President, Barack Obama's caution to car makers not to compromise on vehicle safety.

By recalling these vehicles they have earned lot of criticism but they are definitely not in the mood to take blame for any more mishappenings in future.

Automakers should not forget that they have a social obligation towards public safety. If they cater to public needs, their business is sure to boom but reckless behavior like this one will certainly have negative effect on an automaker's reputation and credibility.