Toyota recalls models in Japan

Source: Manufacturing Digital

Date :17/10/2007 11:46:50

Toyota recalled 470,000 vehicles in Japan for engine, steering and motor problems, sending shares lower.

The world's largest carmaker, outlined the recall plans in filings with the transport ministry on Wednesday.

According to Toyota none of the recalled models including the Crown, Sienta and bB models were exported.

There were no reports of accidents related to the defects, but more than 300 problems were reported.

Defects

The recall is latest sign of growing quality problems as Toyota embarks on ambitious global growth.

The carmaker has faced an increasing number of recalls in recent years, partly due to its effort to cut costs by using the same parts across different models.

In the latest recall, an engine problem was found in the Crown sedan and several other models, sold from 1999 through 2004, which may cause fuel to leak.

Toyota also found that the bolt connecting the steering shaft to the gear box wasn't properly tightened in the bB vehicle, sold from January last year through March this year, which could result in uncontrollable steering.

Earlier this year, Toyota set a goal of selling 10.4 million vehicles globally in 2009, well above the industry's 30-year-old record held by General Motors Corp, the world's No. 1 carmaker.

The carmaker is planning to sell 9.3 million vehicles this year which could end up beating GM.

Toyota declined to say how much the recall would cost.

October 17 2007

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