Toyota’s recall of 2.7 million vehicles due to steering and water pump defects
According to a Nov. 14 Bloomberg News report, this is a global recall involving 14 Toyota models including Prius hybrid vehicles.
Toyota Motor Corp. has announced a recall of 2.7 million vehicles worldwide due to defective steering and water pump systems in many of its gasoline and hybrid vehicles. According to a Nov. 14 Bloomberg News report, the recall includes Prius hybrid and Corolla compact sedans that are among 14 models subject to inspection and repair.
Last month, Toyota recalled a record 7.4 million vehicles for faulty power window switches that could pose potential fire hazards, the report states. Between 2009 and 2010, Toyota had to recall more than 10 million vehicles for sticky gas pedals and faulty floor mats associated with sudden or unintended acceleration, Bloomberg News reports.
In the vehicles involved in the most recent recall, a possible flaw in the steering system may cause rattling and a possible loss of steering while the defect in the hybrid system involved the electric water in the pump, which may stop functioning, the report states. Toyota officials say they have not received reports of any crashes or injuries as a result of these faults. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating these defects, according to the report.
Steering loss can cause devastating car accidents. These types of defects have the potential to result in crashes and that is why it is crucial for automakers to report them right away and issue a timely recall. It is not clear when exactly Toyota found out about these defects. But hopefully federal officials are monitoring the situation and looking into whether the automaker issued a timely recall.
The vehicle is the most important piece of evidence in an auto product liability case. That is why it is important to preserve the vehicle in its current condition so an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects and malfunctions.