Fresh recalls for Toyota

Toyota is recalling vehicles in Japan and the U.S. amid concerns over steering problems.

Most of the cars involved are Avalon models made between 2000 and 2004, the company said.

A problem with a component of its steering system could potentially lead to a crash if the steering wheel locked.

No accidents had been linked with the issue.

“Because of improper casting of the steering lock bar, which is a component of the steering interlock system, there is a possibility that a minute crack may develop on the surface. Such a crack may expand over a long period of repeated lock and unlock operations, and eventually the lock bar could break. If this occurs, the interlock system may become difficult to unlock when stationary,” Toyota said in a statement.

This follows the recall of more than eight million vehicles in February over problems with sticking accelerator pedals.

“Toyota is continuing to work diligently to address safety issues wherever they arise and to strengthen our global quality assurance operations so that Toyota owners can be confident in the safety of their vehicles,” Steve St. Angelo, Toyota Chief Quality Officer for North America, said.

As part of the recall, Toyota will replace the steering column bracket on involved vehicles, a procedure that takes about two hours to complete depending on the dealer’s schedule.

Toyota will notify owners by first class mail beginning in late August 2010 to bring their vehicles to their local Toyota dealer for replacement of the steering column bracket at no charge to the customer.

SOURCE: Toyota

Edited by Ellie Duncan