Toyota Recalls 100,100 Vehicles in Canada Citing Defect That May Lead to Loss of Control

Toyota has issued a recall for more than 100,000 vehicles in Canada due to a defect in the suspension arm that could cause a loss of control while driving.

Transport Canada posted a revised version on May 1 of the initial recall notice, which was published in August 2012.

A problem can occur with some vehicles when the rear wheel alignment toe adjustment locking nuts are improperly tightened during a field alignment, the notice says. Backlash can develop in the threaded portion of the suspension arm—also known as the shaft and turnbuckle—as rust begins to form. 

“If this occurs, threads may wear, causing the arm to separate which could result in loss of vehicle control,” the advisory reads.

Vehicles affected by the recall include the Lexus HS 250h, which was manufactured in 2010, and Toyota RAV4 models manufactured from 2006 to 2011.

The recall will allow dealers to inspect the suspension arms to verify the tightening torque of the lock nuts, or replace the arms, if necessary, the recall notice says.

Toyota said all customers impacted by the recall will be notified by mail if their vehicle requires repairs. Customers can also determine if their vehicle is part of the recall by inputting their vehicle information into the automaker’s website.

Toyota has issued several recalls in Canada in the past six months.

The automaker issued a recall in March for 39,897 of its Highlander SUVs in Canada, citing a manufacturing defect that could cause seats to shift during a collision. Anyone with the recalled model was warned against using the second-row seats to drive passengers until the repairs were completed.

Toyota also recalled nearly 20,000 Prius models at the end of January because of a risk the rear doors could open while the vehicle is in motion and issued a recall for more than 12,000 Tundra trucks the same month due to an issue with the rear-view cameras that could increase the risk of a crash.

The company also announced a safety recall last fall affecting more than 13,000 of its newer model Tundra and Lexus vehicles due to a possible defect that could cause the engine to stall while driving.