Recall Alert: 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon and 2003-2007 Lexus LX 470

Jul 29 2010 by Jennifer Newman

Toyota is voluntarily recalling 373,000 2000-2004 Toyota Avalons because of potential problems with the steering system.

The recall will address an issue with the steering lock bar, a device that typically locks the steering wheel when the vehicle is turned off. Because of an improper casting of the steering lock bar, the component could break under certain conditions. This would cause the steering wheel to lock completely while the car is in motion, increasing the chance of an accident. 

Toyota will replace the steering column bracket on affected vehicles at no charge to the customer. This procedure the automaker says should take about two hours to complete. Toyota will notify owners starting in late August to bring their vehicles to their local Toyota dealers. 

Although the Avalon shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Camry, no other Toyota or Lexus models are affected by this recall.

For more information, owners can call Toyota at 800-331-4331.

2003-2007 Lexus LX 470

Toyota is recalling approximately 39,000 of its Lexus LX 470 SUVs from the 2003-2007 model years over a defect in the steering shaft. Today’s recalls follow a series of significant recalls dating back to last fall.

This particular recall involves the snap ring on the steering shaft, which can disengage when the vehicle has a significant impact to the wheels such as a large pothole. The entire steering shaft could disengage over time after the impact, so drivers would not necessarily notice the problem immediately.

Toyota will begin the recall campaign in mid-August with mailings to owners. The company says no accidents have been reported because of the defect. For more information, owners can contact Lexus at 800-255-3987 or Lexus.com/recall.