EL CAJON, Calif. -- Tempers flared Wednesday as the Toyota Prius that suddenly sped out of control on Interstate 8 Monday was set to be examined by investigators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Jim Sikes experienced accelerator problems with his Prius, causing it to speed out of control on Monday. His vehicle reached speeds of more than 90 mph, and a California Highway Patrol officer was able to help Sikes stop the car.

On Wednesday, NHTSA investigators and three Toyota technicians examined Sikes' car at El Cajon Toyota.

When a representative from Rep. Darrell Issa's San Diego office arrived at the dealership, Toyota technicians were not against his presence. However, the NHTSA investigators asked Issa's representative to leave or they would suspend their inspection.

Issa's rep stayed, and the inspection was stopped. Issa made a phone call to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, and Issa's press secretary Kurt Bardella told 10News, "Congressman Issa spoke with Secretary LaHood, and Secretary LaHood acquiesced and expressed no objection to having Congressman Issa's representatives there."

Two hours later, the investigation into what went wrong with Sikes' Prius continued. However, what happened between Issa's rep and the NHTSA may have exposed some lingering doubts about the NHTSA's role in keeping drivers safe.

"Throughout this entire investigation, it's been clear that prior to this administration taking office, NHTSA, both with industry and regulators, failed in identifying and repairing safety concerns," said Bardella.

Issa is requesting copies of all records related to Toyota's safety problems, including the San Diego cases. He said the NHTSA's veil of secrecy is now being lifted in the name of safety.

10News contacted Toyota and the NHTSA for comment on Wednesday's situation, but neither returned calls.