Toyota recalls almost 2600 Prius II hybrids
BY MARTON PETTENDY | 1st Jun 2006
The safety recall issued by Toyota Motor Corporation Japan and Toyota Motor Corporation Australia yesterday (May 31) includes the Prius NHW20-model hybrid vehicles produced in Japan between July 2003 and November 2005.
According to Toyota: "On certain vehicles that are subjected to operating conditions where a large steering force is repeatedly applied (such as when the steering wheel is turned forcefully to full lock position or the tyre is in contact with the roadside curb) there is a possibility that the steering intermediate shaft may become loose or develop a crack." The company said a rattle or knocking sound within the steering system indicated that vehicle was affected and, in worst-case scenarios, could lead to a separated or fractured steering connection, resulting in loss of steering.
Toyota has stressed there have been no reported incidences of the condition in Australia.
A total of 990,000 vehicles are affected by the recall globally, including certain Corolla and Avensis variants which, in some overseas markets, employ the same steering mechanism as Prius. Those models are not affected in Australia.
Toyota says all owners of affected vehicles will be contacted individually by letter in early June to arrange rectification of the problem by an authorized Toyota Prius dealer - a process that takes about an hour and which will be completed free of charge.