(PTI): Toyota has frozen the sale of eight models of its cars in the US in response to growing concerns over their potentially defective accelerator pedals.

The world’s premier automaker declared that as of February 1 it would cease the production of some of its popular models, including the Camry, in order to resolve the defect in sticking gas pedals. The suspension came one week after the Japanese carmaker recalled 2.3 million vehicles of the same models due to safety concerns.

The affected models include the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia.

“This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized,” Toyota’s group vice president Bob Carter said.

Toyota shares plunged by 2.3 percent to close at 3,780 yen in early Tokyo trading.