More Problems for Toyota

Toyota is once again recalling vehicles, this time for brake fluid and fuel pump problems. The recall affects 1.53 million vehicles, including the Lexus GS300, RX330, IS250, IS350, and the Toyota Avalon and Highlander. The problem, which primarily affects North America, involves the brake master cylinder, which could lead to weaker braking power. The other is an electrical problem with the fuel pump which can cause the engine to stall. Over the past year, Toyota has recalled more than 10 million cars for problems ranging from faulty gas pedals, braking problems in the Prius, troublesome floor mats, and engine stalls. Although no accidents have yet been reported as a result of these problems, Toyota has recently reached an out-of-court settlement with relatives of a family killed when their Lexus sped out of control and crashed as a result of an accelerator problem. This accident first put the spotlight on Toyota’s problems and prompted the recall of millions of vehicles worldwide.