Toyota Recalls Vehicles For Power Steering Loss
The last thing you want when you are driving down the freeway is to lose power steering.
But, that’s what can happen in about 112,500 Toyota vehicles that are being recalled.
According to a news report in Consumerist.com, Toyota announced two separate safety recalls, affecting 2,500 model year 2012 to 2014 RAV4 EV and 110,000 model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and model year 2014-2015 RAV4 vehicles.
Two Separate Issues
In the first recall, Toyota says a software issue in the RAV4 EV’s Electrical Vehicle Traction Motor Assembly may cause the vehicle to inadvertently shift to neutral causing the vehicle to lose power drive, which in turn increases the risk of a crash.
The second recall was initiated after the company found that a circuit board for the electric power steering may have been damaged during the manufacturing process.
This damage could result in the loss of power steering assist and the illumination of a warning lamp. This loss of power steering could lead to increased effort to steer and a potential crash.
When the recalls begin, vehicle owners will be notified and dealers will perform the needed repairs free of charge. Toyota has said it is unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the recalls.
Auto Product Liability Issues
There is no question that these are all extremely dangerous auto defects, which could result in catastrophic injuries or even deaths. Automakers have a legal responsibility to consumers to manufacture vehicles that are safe.
When a safety defect is identified, under federal law, the car manufacturer must notify federal safety officials right away, issue a prompt recall and fix the problem at no cost to consumers.
Anyone who has been injured as the result of a defective auto can file an auto product liability lawsuit against the automaker seeking compensation for his or her significant losses.
If you suspect that your accident occurred as the result of a defective auto, it is important that you preserve the vehicle so an expert can examine it thoroughly for defects, malfunctions and design flaws.
We always provide a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.