2.77 Million Vehicles Over Steering, Pump Flaws are countermanded by Toyota

Toyota Motor is planning to recall 2.77 million vehicles globally due to flaws in the steering and water pump systems of certain of its gasoline and hybrid vehicles.

The automaker will recall about 1.52 million vehicles in Japan and 1.25 million overseas, according to Bloomberg BusinessWeek's report.

The recall includes 670,000 Prius vehicles in the US as well as the Prius hybrid and Corolla compact sedan, among 14 models due for inspection and possible repair.

Toyota said that all of the 2004 to 2009 model year Prius vehicles will be inspected for a possible flaw in the steering intermediate extension shaft causing the splines connecting the extension shaft to the steering gear box to wear out over time.

About 350,000 of these same Prius vehicles are also being recalled to replace the electric water pump for the hybrid system.

According to the company, in the hybrid system, there is an electrically driven water pump that circulates coolant through the hybrid components to provide cooling.

The company said that 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.