Toyota asks for recall of luxury cars

Toyota is recalling more than 3,700 vehicles in the UAE, mostly Lexus LX470 models, because of steering problems.

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Toyota is recalling more than 3,700 vehicles in the UAE, mostly Lexus LX470 models, because of steering problems. The recall covers 2,840 Lexus luxury model LX470s made between 2002 and 2007, as well as more than 800 Toyota Avalons made between 1999 and 2004. In the Lexus LX470, a part called a snap ring on the steering shaft can disengage when the vehicle has a strong jolt to the front wheels, from, for instance, going over a deep pothole or hitting a kerb. Under some conditions, this can cause the steering shaft to disengage over time.

Al Futtaim motors, which sells Toyota and Lexus cars in the UAE, has received no complaints about the fault and Toyota has said that worldwide no accidents have been reported from the problem. Saud Abbasi, the general manager of the Lexus division at Al Futtaim Motors, said: "It is nothing out of our realm of capability. By and large within half a day we'll pick up the vehicle and give it back to our customers."

The Avalons, meanwhile, have an improper casting of the steering lock bar that causes cracks to develop on the surface. In some cases, the cracks cause the lock bar to break, which could cause the steering wheel to lock. The company also announced that 55 Corollas made in 2000 and 2001 are being recalled as part of an airbag campaign. Toyota in the US announced that 412,000 cars, mostly Avalons, would need to be checked.

Anyone concerned about their Lexus should contact customer care at 800 5398. For Avalons and Corollas, the number is 04 206 6002. @Email:mdetrie@thenational.ae