The move affects about 106,000 Prius hybrid cars built from 2001 to 2003, and the recall is to fix a fault with regards to the Prius’ electronic steering wheel system. Of the affected cars, about 52,000 were sold in the United States.

“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 said in a statement. The company added that if the owner leaves the condition uncorrected, over time they will gradually notice significant increased steering effort when making a left turn.

Toyota has informed dealers to notify affected owners, and install “improved nuts” to customer cars that secure the pinion shaft at no charge, with the repair expected to take approximately 4 hours. The recall exercise is expected to begin in July 2011.

In a separate exercise, Toyota is also recalling 34 Venza AWD MPVs and 16 Sienna AWD MPVs built this year to replace an insufficiently heat treated front right-hand driveshaft. “Due to insufficient heat treatment, there is a possibility that the front right-hand driveshaft may break,” said Toyota, adding that if this happens, engine power will not be transferred to the wheels and the vehicle will roll to a stop.

Source: Toyota