The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

Toyota has announced that 412,000 cars in the U.S. and over 16,000 in Japan will be recalled because of steering problems. Most of the recalled vehicles in the U.S. are Avalon models 2000 to 2004. The Japanese vehicles are the 2000-2004 Toyota Pronard.

The defective vehicles reportedly have improper casting of the steering lock bar. This is a component of the steering system and the defect causes cracks to develop on the surface. The cracks can potentially lead to a crash if the lock bar breaks.

In addition to the Avalon recall, 39,000 2003-2007 Lexus LX 470s are being recalled because of a steering shaft problem. This is a different problem than the Avalon steering issue.

All owners will start to receive information in the mail about where they can take their vehicles for repairs. The Avalon steering problem will be taken care of by replacing the steering column bracket. The Lexus problem will be fixed by replacing the snap ring in the steering shaft.

So far, there have been no reports of injuries associated with accidents that may have been caused by the defective part.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident due to a defective part, please contact the experienced defective product attorneys at the Cochran Firm. We serve clients nationwide.