Toyota’s ever-evolving, several-year run of recalls has two new chapters. Most notable is a steering problem that affects 670,000 Prius and Corolla models in the United States and 2.8 million units worldwide built between July 2001 and March 2009.
Additionally, a separate recall, including 350,000 vehicles in the U.S. will fix water pump issues in hybrid vehicles.
The faulty part issue may cause a knocking or rattling from the steering column intermediate extension shafts, and could cause a reduction in steering response.
Toyota reported a handful of cases have been reported no accidents of fatalities have been reported. The carmaker stressed that even with the steering problem, the Prius and Corolla models affected are safe to drive.
The recall affects Corolla models built between July 2001 and March 2009, and Prius models built between July 2003 and April 2009.
A Toyota spokesperson said some vehicles will have both recall problems and that owners will be notified by mail. Repairs, which are free, will take about 50 minutes.
Article Last Updated: November 10, 2013.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.