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COURTESY TOYOTA
Toyota USA headquarters in Torrance, Calif. is shown in this 2010 photo. The automaker is recalling 200,000 vehicles worldwide for a hybrid-system problem and another 169,000 vehicles for an engine bolt defect.
DETROIT » Toyota is recalling 880,584 RAV4 SUVs and Lexus HS 250h sedans in the U.S. and Canada because a repair announced last year may not have solved a safety problem.
RAV4s from the 2006 through 2011 model years and the Lexus HS250h from the 2010 model year are involved in the recall.
Toyota says if rear suspension nuts aren’t tightened properly after a wheel alignment, the rear lower suspension arm can rust and separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
At least nine crashes and three injuries related to the problem have been reported, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. At least 131 owners have complained about the issue to NHTSA and Toyota.
Toyota recalled the vehicles last August for the same issue, but spokeswoman Cindy Knight said the repair procedure in the previous recall was incorrect. Knight didn’t know if Toyota sent out the wrong instructions or if technicians at its dealerships didn’t follow the correct procedures. She said technicians are receiving additional training.
Toyota is recalling 780,584 vehicles in the U.S. and 100,000 in Canada. Owners will be notified over a six-month period starting this month.
Toyota technicians will inspect the vehicles and replace suspension arms which are loose or rusted for free.
