Washington, D.C. – Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5th, 2003, through March 30th, 2009.
The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Vehicle Information
Vehicle Make / Model | Model Year(s) |
Toyota / Prius | 2004-2009 |
Manufacturer: Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
Report Receipt Date: November 14th, 2012
NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 12V537000Â N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: Steering
Potential Number of Units Affected: 669,705
Consequence
Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1.800.331.4331.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1.888.327.4236 (TTY 1.800.424.9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.