TOYOTA IS RECALLING another 412,000 vehicles due to possible steering system problems. The two models in question are the Toyota Avalaon sedan and the Lexus LX470. The 373,000 Avalons affected were built between 200 and 2004.
The casting on the vechicles could crack if the car is steered forcefully to the right, locking the wheels. The cars were sold in the US and Canada.
The US recall is expected to cost the company about $70 million (€53.5 million). The company has already recalled over 5 million cars in the US, and the latest round of recalls would bring the global figure close to 11 million. Toyota is the world’s largest car manufacturer.
Toyota said it had received reports of three accidents involving these particular Avalon models, but no injuries. A spokesperson for the company said it was unclear whether the possible steering disengagement issue was involved in the accidents.