Toyota and Nissan announce more recalls
Toyota said Wednesday it will recall 4,500 Lexus vehicles in Japan to fix a computerized steering problem, with another 7,000 vehicles overseas also likely affected.
The world's biggest automaker has received 12 complaints about the problem within Japan, but knows of no accidents that it has caused worldwide, according to spokesman Paul Nolasco.
After being hit with a record $16.4 million fine in the U.S. and facing strong government criticism both at home and abroad for slow responses to safety problems, Toyota Motor Corp. is working to react more quickly. The company on Tuesday paid the fine in the U.S., where it still faces hundreds of state and federal lawsuits.
The latest issue affects Toyota's luxury Lexus LS line, and involves a computerized system that oversees how the steering wheel controls the tires. The Lexus line is Toyota's top-priced luxury sedan brand, and includes the LS 600h hybrid.
In addition to the 4,500 cars sold in Japan, about 7,000 have been sold abroad, including about 3,800 in the U.S., 150 in Europe and 800 in China, with others sold in areas such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australia.
The steering system comes standard in Japanese models, but is optional in some other regions. It varies the amount that the steering wheel turns the tires on a car, allowing drivers to turn the wheel less at low speeds when attempting to navigate or park in tight spots and providing finer control at high speeds.
The system can take "a few seconds" to return the steering to normal after it has been adjusted, which led to complaints from drivers, Nolasco said.
He said Toyota was preparing to conduct a recall in Japan soon, but wasn't sure of the exact timing.
Toyota has recalled more than eight million vehicles worldwide for safety defects affecting some of its best-selling models. The U.S. Transportation Department is reviewing thousands of Toyota documents and could issue new penalties for the company's handling of other safety recalls.
Nissan recalls trucks and SUVs
Nissan Motor Co. is planning to recall 48,700 trucks and SUVs for problems with a suspension part that could lead to a rough ride.
Spokesman Colin Price says the company is working on details with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and expects the recall to begin this week.
It will cover some, but not all, 2010 Nissan Armadas, Frontiers, Titans, Pathfinders and Xterras and Infiniti QX56 models.
The Armada, Titan and Infiniti QX56 are produced at the company's Canton plant. The Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra are produced at its Smyrna, Tenn., plant.
The problem centers on a lower suspension control link, which may not have been welded properly. It could cause the bushing collar to crack, leading to a rough and noisy ride. No accidents have been reported.