The latest move affects some 740,000 Toyota vehicles sold in the United States, and the models involved are the Toyota Avalon, built from 2005-2006, the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX330 off-roaders from 2004-2006, and the 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250 and IS350 cars.

According to Toyota, there is a potential leak problem with a seal in the brake master cylinder, which can cause a small amount of the brake fluid to slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp. Some 600,898 cars in Japan and 200,000 cars in China have already been recalled for the same problem.

"If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline," said Toyota, which has already sent out notices to drivers of the affected cars and will replace the faulty brake master cylinder part at no cost.