Toyota recalls over 1,20,000 cars in China

Toyota, the Japanese giant carmaker is recalling 121,930 cars in China to rectify a problem that could result in drivers loosing steering control.

The recalled vehicles, 54,657 Reiz and 62,517 Crown sedans were made by Toyota's venture with FAW Group between February 2005 and October 2006 and the 4,756 Lexus luxury models were made in Japan between February 2004 and September 2006, according to a notice released by China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

Due to manufacturing defects, the electric power steering (EPS) system on these vehicles could fail to function and lead to steering failure in the worst cases, the notice said. The notice did not state whether any accidents have been reported due to the defects.

Toyota will now contact owners of the affected vehicles, conduct free checks and replace the defected parts at no cost.

A history of recalls
Tianjin Faw Toyota Motor Company had recalled three models of its automobiles from 3 November 2008- a total of over 83,000 units.

These automobiles included 8,640 units of Vios, manufactured between 14 February 2008 and 10 June 2008; 31,104 units of Corolla EX manufactured between 1 June 2007 and 10 June 2008; and 43,662 units of Corolla made between 17 May 2007 and 10 June 2008. All the vehicles had manual transmission.