REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao
Actually, if the day of the week ends in a ‘y,’ that headline still pretty much works.
The Japanese automaker’s latest announcement was a safety recall Thursday of approximately 1.5 million vehicles worldwide. The problem? A brake fluid leak that could gradually diminish braking performance, which NewsFeed understands is fairly integral to the smooth running of any given journey. (See pictures of the rise of Toyota.)
The U.S. is bearing the brunt, with 740,000 vehicles voluntarily recalled with the best part of 600,000 following suit in Japan. A spokesman said no accidents had been linked to the defect. The exact cars involved are as follows: The 2005-2006 models of the Avalon, the 2004-2006 non-hybrid versions of the Highlander, the Lexus RX330 and the 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250 and IS350. (See the 50 worst cars of all time.)
If you needed a reminder, the first set of recalls took place late last year and early 2010, affecting around 10 million vehicles worldwide. Congressional investigations and a $16.4 million fine followed, settling claims that gas pedal defects were the cause for dozens of deaths. Toyota’s latest update won’t be instilling confidence any time soon. (Via AFP)