Toyota recalls 437 Prius, hybrids; reviews Corolla steering complaints
Federal officials review Toyota Corolla complaints
WASHINGTON -- Federal safety officials say they will look into complaints from Toyota Corolla drivers about difficulty with the steering on their vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Agency has received about 80 complaints from drivers of 2009 and 2010 Corollas. Many say their cars can wander when they drive on the highway, making it hard to stay in lanes.
NHTSA says it will determine if a formal safety investigation is warranted. But agency officials also stress that it is standard procedure to review the tens of thousands of driver complaints they get every year on a wide range of vehicles.
Toyota's safety issues are under intense scrutiny due to recalls over gas pedal problems. The company also recalled some of its Prius hybrids last night.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
LaHood: Toyota taking safety concerns seriously
WASHINGTON -- Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says Toyota's leaders have assured him they are taking safety concerns "very seriously."
In a statement, LaHood said the transportation agency will "remain in constant communication with Toyota to hold them to that promise."
Toyota said Tuesday it was recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems. The recall includes 133,000 Prius cars and 14,500 Lexus HS250h vehicles in the United States.
U.S. owners will start receiving letters about the recall next week.
Toyota recalls 437,000 Prius, hybrids globally
TOKYO -- Toyota says it's recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems.
Company President Akio Toyoda made the recall announcement this afternoon at a press conference.
Toyoda said the company has decided to recall because, as he put it, "we regard safety for our customers as our foremost priority."
Toyoda went on to say he doesn't see Toyota "as an infallible company that never makes mistakes." Instead, he said "We will face up to the facts and correct the problem, putting customers' safety and convenience first."
There have been about 200 complaints in Japan and the U.S. about a delay when the brakes in the Prius were pressed in some conditions.
In the U.S., the recall involves 133,000 Prius cars and 14,500 Lexus HS250h vehicles.
The recall is the latest blow to Toyota, which is in the midst of recalling more than 7 million vehicles worldwide because of problems with faulty gas pedals. The 2010 Prius wasn't part of those recalls.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
