Toyota has announced it is recalling around 75,000 Avensis, Corolla and Prius models in the UK, as part of a worldwide recall of 2.7m cars. The news follows a recall of 7m Toyotas last month for an unrelated issue.
The latest recall affects certain Avensis and Corolla models registered between July 2001 and March 2009, and certain Prius models registered between July 2003 and April 2009. All models are previous-generation cars, and therefore not on sale new now.
The recall results from a potential fault with a component in the steering system, which can result in a knocking or rattling noise and the possibility of reduced steering response. Toyota says that at all times the affected cars remain safe to drive.
There have been nine reported cases of the fault in Europe, with no accidents arising from the situation, says Toyota. All owners of affected cars will be contacted by Toyota, and the fix should take around an hour.
Additionally, in the Prius there is the risk that the hybrid system water pump may fail. Three cases of this happening in Europe have been reported, says Toyota, with no reports of accidents arising from it. A dealer fix will take about 1.5 hours, it says.
