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Automotive Industry
AUTOS: Toyota Recalls 410,000 More Cars
Steering problems cause voluntary call back for premium Avalon and Lexus models.
Bob Golfen  |  Posted July 29, 2010   Washington, DC
Toyota's premium Avalon sedan was recalled to replace a faulty steering component. (Photo: Toyota)
Toyota was hit with another massive recall today when it called back more than 410,000 cars in the U.S. and 16,420 more in Japan for a potentially dangerous steering problem, the automaker said.

The voluntary recall involves 373,000 Avalon premium sedans from 2000-2004 that can develop cracks in a steering-lock bar, which over time can cause the bar to break and the steering to seize. Toyota will replace the steering-column bracket in those cars.

The problem, blamed on an improperly cast component, has resulted in no reported injuries, Toyota said.

Toyota also recalled 39,000 2003-2007 LX 470s for an unrelated steering-shaft problem. About 270,000 mostly Lexus cars were recalled earlier this month for an engine problem.

Toyota’s quality reputation has taken severe blow this year, including the monumental recall of 8.5 million vehicles worldwide for faulty gas-pedal assemblies, floor-mat issues and braking problems. The Japanese company, the world’s largest automaker by sales, paid a $16.4 million fine to U.S. regulators for its slow response to the throttle problems.

“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,” said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America.

Owners of the Avalons and LX 470s will be notified in August about having the recall repairs done at dealerships.

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