Recall: 781,000 Toyota, Lexus models for suspension failure

Toyota is recalling nearly 781,000 cars to fix suspension components that can break loose, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This is the second time that the same 780,584 cars have been recalled in the United States -- the 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 and the 2010 Lexus HS 250h -- for loose nuts that attach the rear suspension arm to the wheels.

If the nuts are loose, the threads on the arm can rust and cause the entire arm to fracture or separate, which in turn can hamper the vehicle's alignment and cause it to leave the desired lane. Toyota initially recalled the vehicles in August 2012 following a two-month NHTSA investigation which included at least 470 complaints and warranty claims alleging failure of the rear suspension arm. At least nine crashes and three injuries are related to the problem.

The earlier recall was "not adequate" and "portions of the repair procedure may not have been performed correctly," according to Toyota. The latest recall will require dealers to replace the rear lower suspension arms and seal them with epoxy, effectively making the alignment permanent. Toyota's first fix involved tightening the bolts and attaching labels to the suspension components to alert technicians to the proper tightening procedure. The company says repair shops are to blame and that all bolts were properly tightened at the factory.

Dealers have limited parts and may not be able to complete the repairs until February. Check page 12 of this dealer letter to find out when parts may be available in your state. Additionally, owners can visit www.toyota.com/recal​​l or www.lexus.com/recall​​​, or call Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

On Sept. 4, the automaker recalled about 369,000 Toyota and Lexus models to fix problems that could cause the vehicles to shut down while driving. Part of the recall expanded on an earlier recall of Highlander Hybrid SUVs that did not properly address the problem. In June, Toyota recalled 242,000 Prius and Lexus HS 250h hybrids to fix weakened brakes, including about 87,000 vehicles in the United States.

[Source: NHTSA]



Source: MSN