Toyota recalls 2.7 million Prius hybrids

TOYOTA has announced it is recalling 12,710 second-generation Prius hybrids in Australia as part of a global campaign on 2.76 million vehicles over a potential steering defect.

The latest Toyota recall, affecting cars built between May 2003 and April 2009, comes just a month after the Japanese company recalled 7.4 million Aurion, Camry, Corolla, Kluger and Yaris models globally over a faulty window switch. That recall affected almost 300,000 vehicles in Australia alone.

Toyota says Prius’s steering intermediate extension shaft might not have been adequately hardened at the time of production.

If that was the case, the splines (teeth) that connect it to the steering box could deform when the steering wheel is turned into full-lock at low speeds, possibly reducing steering response or causing a knocking or rattling noise.

Three cases have been reported in Australia, but no accidents or injuries have been reported.

Toyota Australia will write to affected owners from December, offering to inspect the components and replace any defective parts. The repairs will take at least one hour.

The recall campaign affects other various models in Europe including the Corolla and Avensis, but only the previous model Prius is affected in Australia.

Between 2009 and 2010, the company recalled about nine million Toyota and Lexus vehicles globally to correct issues with sliding floor mats and sticking accelerator pedals.

In August this year, Toyota Australia was also recalled almost 20,000 locally made Camry and Aurion sedans over a possible fuel leak.