Toyota is recalling hundreds of thousands of Prius cars because of potential steering and water pump problems.
About 670,000 Prius vehicles could have a steering extension shaft that warps if the steering wheel is “frequently and forcefully turned to the full left or full right position while driving at slow speeds,” according to the company’s recall notice.
Toyota dealers will inspect the extension shaft and, if needed, replace it. The work takes about an hour.
Approximately 350,000 of those same Prius cars are also being recalled to replace the electric water pump. The motor that powers the water pump may stop working, leading to various warning lights illuminating and the possibility that a fuse may open and stop the hybrid system from working.
Toyota dealers will replace the electric water pump for the hybrid system. The repair takes about two hours to complete.
Owners of vehicles covered by these recalls should receive a notification letter by mail starting in December. Authorized Toyota dealers will perform the repairs at no charge to the vehicle owner.
