We’re a Toyota crew in my little world. I drive an innocuous little Corolla I bought used after I totaled my car several years ago. It has, (and this is me now knocking wood, or actually putting my head through wood while crossing every finger possible,) never given me any trouble. It’s ten years old now and I have no intentions of trading it in. Why? Because now I don’t have to wonder every time I get in the car if I’m taking my life into my hands.

But this only goes for my car. My boyfriend drives a 2009 Prius. So far, he hasn’t gotten a notice to bring in his Toyota. His brakes seem to be working fine, and his accelerator is not sticking. But when we went to get into the car last night, he joked that we could end up launching ourselves into the atmosphere. I just stared at him. Then I got into the car and stared at the driver’s side pedals while hoping that the air bags were working correctly.

Apparently, I am not alone in my feelings. It seems that the world feels like they are playing a game of Russian roulette with their Toyotas. And for Hybrid owners, this seems like a cruel joke. In other words, if you care enough about the environment to buy a fuel-efficient car, you probably go the extra mile with your health by purchasing organic or, say, paraben-free product. So you’re probably not going to want to put yourself behind a vehicle that is hurdling down the road completely uncontrolled. Yes, I know that this isn’t an attractive way to travel for anyone, but it does seem a bit ironic for the health-conscious greenies.

So what’s the latest on the Toyota debacle? One thing we know – the information changes every day. Last week we were treated to daily updates as to who was getting recalled, who was replacing their brakes, and who was replacing their accelerators. But the facts are this: Toyota has long enjoyed a nearly flawless reputation world wide as a stellar car company. But they just recalled 7 million cars of all different models in the United States, Europe and China over floor mats that can get caught in the gas pedal and stick accelerators.

Further, Toyota is gearing up to repair the brakes on several thousand Prius cars, though it may not issue a formal recall in the United States. Msnbc.com reports that Prius owners have complained of a short delay before the antilock brakes kick in. However, the company says this problem can be fixed with a software adjustment. It affects the 270,000 Priuses that were sold in the U.S. and Japan starting last May. (Also, thank you to Msnbc.com for finally revealed how we should refer to multiple Prius-es. Priuii? Prius’? Clarity, at last!)

And just Sunday, Toyota announced it was going to issue a recall for the Prius. The Toyota chief in Japan has formally apologized for this mess.

So should you keep driving your recalled car? U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has urged Americans to stop driving their Toyotas and return them to the dealership to fix. (One presumably assumes people are supposed to tow their cars to the dealers?) Other car experts like Jim Motavalli of the New York Times and MNN.com say keep driving until further notice. (And for his full opinion, click here.)

Hopefully the issue will be resolved soon without any additional damage or worries to Toyota’s loyal customers. In the meantime, stay safe out there!