Recall 10V345000: Steering Column Lock Defect

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S):

Toyota/Avalon 2000-2004

MANUFACTURER: Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

MFR'S REPORT DATE: July 29, 2010

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V345000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A

COMPONENT: Steering

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 372593

SUMMARY:
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2000-2004 Avalon vehicles. Due to improper casting of the steering lock bar, there is a possibility that a minute crack may develop on the surface of the lock bar. Such a crack may expand over a long period of repeated lock and unlock operations, and eventually the lock bar could break.

CONSEQUENCE:
Should the steering lock bar break, the steering wheel would lock and the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Dealers will replace the steering interlock device free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin late August 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.