Toyota moves to fix leaky oil hoses

02 March 2010

Beleaguered Toyota suffered another quality control problem as it moved to fix potentially leaky oil hoses on nearly a million vehicles in the US and Japan.

The world's biggest car manufacturer has been under the spotlight after 8.5 million vehicles were recalled globally for problems with accelerator pedals, floor mats and brakes.

Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco said the hose repair, which has been rolled out in Japan since late last year, was not considered a recall in the Asian country, but a "service campaign", with owners receiving notices through dealers about the required fix.

Around 40,000 cars in Japan were affected, Toyota Motor Corporation said, naming the models as the Harrier luxury model, Estima minivan, Blade hatchback, Mark X Zio saloon and Vanguard crossover.

In the US, 217,800 vehicles now need the repair for the oil-supply hose after it was expanded to the 2007 and 2009 RAV4 sport utility vehicles and some Avalon saloon models, taking the total number of cars affected in the country to 934,000.

The Tokyo-based company said the faulty hoses could cause engine noise and activate the oil pressure light on dashboards.

In the US, the problem also affects the best-selling Camry and two Lexus models.

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