Recall Up Date: 2004-2009 Toyota Prius

The Problem: Toyota’s new Prius recall – part of a global campaign that involves some 2.2 million vehicles – is actually two recall campaigns rolled into one. The first seeks to repair steering shafts on 2004-2009 Prius models. Toyota says splines on the end of the shaft, which attach the shaft to the gearbox, may wear and deform over time if “the steering wheel is frequently and forcefully turned to the full left or right position while driving at slow speeds.”

Toyota’s second Prius campaign involves an electric water pump used to cool components in the hybrid system. Toyota says the motor itself may cease, and in “limited instances,” trip the electric power supply circuit fuse. If this happens, Toyota says the “hybrid system will stop while the vehicle is being driven.”

The Fix: In the case of the steering shaft, dealers will inspect the splines, and if needed, replace the shaft. The procedure takes roughly an hour, while replacing the water pump takes another two. Toyota will begin notifying customers to bring their cars into dealers in early December.

Vehicles Affected: Toyota’s steering box recall affects 670,000 Prius models here in the U.S. Of those cars, roughly 350,000 are also being recalled for the water pump issue.

Thanks to: Motor Trend