Toyota to Recall 373,000 Avalons Sold in the U.S.

Toyota (TM) said it will recall 373,000 Toyota Avalons sold in the U.S. to address steering problems. The Japanese company will recall the 2000-2004 Avalon sedans due to potential problems with the steering lock bar, Toyota said in a statement.

"Toyota is continuing to work diligently to address safety issues wherever they arise and to strengthen our global quality assurance operations so that Toyota owners can be confident in the safety of their vehicles," Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America, said.

Toyota will notify affected customers by first-class mail that they should take their car to their local Toyota dealership to have the vehicle's steering column bracket replaced. This procedure takes about two hours and won't be charged to the customer.

Toyota has received reports of three accidents involving the Avalon models that are being recalled, Reuters reported. There were no injuries, and it's not clear if the accidents are related to the possible defect Toyota is trying to fix. Toyota will also recall 39,000 of its 2003-2007 LX470 sports utility vehicles because of the risk of steering shaft disengagement, Reuters said.