First generation Prius drivers may have been wise to jump on the hybrid wagon early, but the cars may still have a few kinks to iron out.
Toyota has recalled 106,000 first generation Prius vehicles worldwide after finding defaults in their electric-power steering.
If operated for much longer, the vehicles will steer with too much force. Toyota suspects that this may have been the case in one minor accident, according to Toyota Motor Corporation.
“If the steering wheel is repeatedly and strongly turned to the full-lock position, there is a possibility the nuts securing the pinion shaft in the steering gear box assembly may become loose,” Toyota’s press release stated.
“If the vehicle is continuously operated in this condition, over time, the customer will gradually notice significant increased steering effort when making a left turn.”
Toyota will send notification letters to owners of the cars in early July, and will pay for improved nuts to secure the pinion shafts. Dealers estimate the repairs will take approximately 4 hours.
