Toyota issues voluntary recall for iQ

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall for 12,000 iQ models in the UK, to correct a fault with the power steering system.

The problem affects cars made between September 11, 2008 and October 22, 2010. When driving on certain road surfaces, like rumble strips, signals received by sensors may confuse the electronic power steering system and trigger a warning light. The driver will also have to apply extra effort to steer the car.

This issue has only happened in very specific circumstances in Japan while no cases have been reported in Europe. Toyota has also stated that no accidents related to this issue have been reported.

Owners will be contacted by letter to advise them of the procedure for taking their vehicle to a dealer. The repair, which will be free, involves the update or replacement of the power steering control unit software and will take around two hours.

Toyota aims to ensure that vehicles produced before October 22, 2010, but not yet delivered to customers, will be checked and fixed before delivery.

Customers who need the recall carrying out, or are uncertain if their vehicle is affected, should contact their local dealer.

This is the latest in a number of recalls, with Toyota recalling seven different models earlier in the year because of accelerator pedal issues, as well as a further 8,000 Prius models due to brake faults.

Lexus, Kia, Honda, Peugeot and Citroen have also all issued recalls this year, while more recently Hyundai has been forced to recall 17,000 Santa Fe and Trajet models because of corroded rear suspension and Nissan has had to recall up to 83,000 Mircas due to an engine fault.