681,000 Toyota Vehicles Recalled In The U.S.

Posted: Dec 08 2011

TOKYO – On Wednesday, the Toyota car manufacturer announced it is recalling (once again) a series of cars and trucks in the United States because of mechanical problems.

In total the company is recalling 681,000 vehicles; 495,000 Tacoma pickup trucks from model years 2005 to 2009 to replace a part in the steering wheel, 70,500 Camry mid-sized cars and 116,000 Venza crossover vehicles from model years 2009 to 2011 to replace a stop lamp switch.

Friction with a cable inside the steering wheel of the Tacoma pickups may prevent the driver’s airbag from deploying during an accident.

Toyota recall 681,000 vehicles in the United States, including the Tacoma pickup truck. Photo Credit: Photo News

For the Camry and Venza the problem is caused by silicon grease that was added during assembly which may lead to increased electrical resistance and cause the vehicle not to start or the shift lever not to move from the “park” position.

Toyota said that owners of the affected Tacomas will be notified in early April, while the owner of the other vehicles will be alerted as soon as Toyota has the necessary replacement parts.