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May 2005 >05/17/05
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News Article
Toyota Recalling 750,000 Truck, SUVs
By Ken Thomas, Associated Press Writer
Toyota Recalling More Than 750,000 Trucks, SUVs
Because of Problems That Could Hinder Steering
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Toyota Motor Corp., in one of its
largest safety recalls ever, said Tuesday it is recalling more than 750,000
pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles because of problems with the front
suspension that could hinder steering.
The company said the recall covers 774,856 vehicles in the
United States, including the 2001-2004 model years of the Tacoma, the 2001-2002
versions of the 4Runner and the 2002-2004 model years of the Tundra and
Sequoia.
Toyota said the surface of a ball joint which connects to
the front suspension may have been scratched when it was manufactured, which
could lead to wear and tear over time.
Any excessive wear or looseness in the joint could force drivers
to exert more effort when steering, allow the vehicle to drift and increase
the amount of noise from the suspension.
Ming-Jou Chen, a Toyota spokeswoman, said the company had
confirmed six cases in which the condition existed in the suspension. There
have been no injuries associated with the problems.
Toyota said it planned to conduct a similar recall of the
affected vehicles in Canada, Japan, Australia and other countries, but did
not immediately have the number of vehicles that would be covered outside
the U.S.
Chen said it was one of the largest recalls in company history.
In 1992, Toyota recalled about 550,000 Camrys from the 1987-1990
model years because of the potential for power door locks to malfunction
and lock passengers out of or inside the vehicles.
In 2002, the company recalled nearly 400,000 subcompact and
minicar vehicles exported to the United States, Europe and Canada because
of improperly designed brake fluid pipes.
In Tuesday's recall of trucks and SUVs, owners will be notified
beginning in July and will be able to have the problem fixed at no cost,
Chen said.
Toyota Motor Co.: http://www.toyota.com
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
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