Toyota has announced that it will be recalling approximately 75,000 UK vehicles to fix an issue with their steering systems. Vehicles affected are previous generation cars, comprising of the Avensis and Corolla models (July 2001 to March 2009) and the Prius (July 2003 to April 2009).

The problem components are the spleens that connect the extension shaft to the steering gearbox that can fail after continual, hard use. Issues may lead to heavy steering or a reduction in steering response; but Toyota reassures drivers that vehicles are still safe to drive if this happens. So far nine cases have been reported in Europe with no related accidents.

As well as the steering problem, the Prius is being recalled due to three issues in Europe with the car's water pump that cools the hybrid system. Failure of this pump can cause the hybrid system to shut down whilst driving; resulting in various warning lights appearing on the dashboard. Again, like the steering problem, Toyota says that vehicles remain safe to drive if this occurs.

Toyota will assess each car individually, and will carry out repairs free of charge if components do not meet Toyota's standards. Steering repairs will take up to an hour; whereas the water pump replacement can take up to an hour-and-a-half.

Toyota drivers are urged to use the licence plate and VIN number search facility currently on www.toyota.co.uk to see if their car is affected.

James Giddings - 15 Nov 2012