TORONTO, Ontario, November 14, 2012 – Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI), announced it will conduct two safety recalls involving Prius vehicles as part of a broader action by Toyota Motor Corporation. The Canadian recall does not include any additional vehicles.
Approximately 14816 Prius vehicles are being recalled to inspect and in some cases replace the steering intermediate extension shaft.
Due to insufficient hardness treatment of some of the extension shafts, the splines that connect the extension shaft to the steering gear box may deform if the steering wheel is frequently and forcefully turned to the full left or full right position while driving at slow speeds. This deformation may create increased internal clearance and the splines may eventually, over time, wear out.
Toyota dealerships will inspect the extension shaft to determine if it needs to be replaced and, if confirmed, will replace it. The inspection and repair will take approximately one hour depending on the dealership’s work schedule.
Approximately 8740 of these same Prius vehicles are also being recalled to replace the electric water pump for the hybrid system.
In the hybrid system, there is an electrically driven water pump that circulates coolant through the hybrid components to provide cooling. There is a possibility that the electric motor installed in the water pump may stop functioning, leading to illumination of various warning lights in the instrument panel. In limited instances, the electric power supply circuit fuse may open, causing the hybrid system to stop while the vehicle is being driven.
Toyota dealerships will replace the electric water pump for the hybrid system. The repair will take approximately two hours depending on the dealership’s work schedule.
There have been no crashes or injuries reported for these two conditions. Owners of vehicles covered by these recalls will receive an owner notification letter via first class mail starting in December, 2012. Any authorized Toyota dealership will perform these recalls at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Information is available to customers by contacting the Toyota Customer Interaction Centre at 1-888-869-6828.