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Toyota has begun recalling 2.3 million vehicles to fix sticking gas pedals that may cause sudden acceleration.

CNNMoney said in addition to the unofficial investigation of the electrical system, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is looking at possible civil penalties for the automaker.

An agency official, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed the investigation and the possible civil penalties, the report said.

The official told CNNMoney authorities are investigating whether electromagnetic interference may be causing the acceleration problems, although evidence for that has not shown up yet.

The report said Toyota officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

On Tuesday, a House committee asked Toyota for proof the problems were limited to floor mats and sticking pedals.

The New York Times reported Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Bart Stupak, D-Mich., sent a letter to James Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., requesting documents showing the computer systems on the cars were not at fault. Waxman is chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Stupak is a member.

Toyota said it received the letter. "We will, of course, cooperate with the committee's inquiry", a spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Raymond LaHood said in a statement, "We're not finished with Toyota and are continuing to review possible defects and monitor the implementation of the recalls."

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