Toyota on Wednesday, June 1st, 2011, announced its decision to recall 106,000 first generation Prius hybrid across the world due to a steering wheel problem. The recall spans 48,000 units of Prius in Japan, 52,000 units in of Prius in U.S and 58,000 units of Prius across the world.
“If the steering wheel is repeatedly and strongly turned to the full-lock position, there is a possibility the nuts securing the pinion shaft in the steering gear box assembly may become loose,” quoted a statement issued by the company. The statement also added the customers will feel an increased steering effort when making a left turn, if the vehicle is continuously operated in its faulty condition over a period of time.
The company announced the problem will be fixed by Toyota dealers at no charge to owners.
