CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Americans who own Toyota Hilux Surf SUVs in Japan are being urged to visit their local Toyota dealers as part of a massive safety recall of the vehicles.
The recall notices on the popular sport utility vehicles were announced by Toyota in October. However, Americans in Japan under the status of forces agreement were not informed of the recall until this week.
The cars are being recalled because of steering problems, the Joint Services Vehicle Registration Office on Camp Foster announced Tuesday.
Toyota has announced a select recall of certain models of the Hilux Surf Sport Utility Vehicle from years 1988 to 1996.
On some of the cars, “the relay rod within the steering system has not much strength,” read a statement in English from a Toyota dealer on Okinawa Wednesday. “If you make maximum steer, the relay rod, which mounts on pitman arm, may be focused on stress and may be damaged.”
In such a case, the driver may not be able to control the steering, the warning stated.
To arrange for repairs, car owners should contact their local Toyota dealer or their local base vehicle registration office.
Recalled vehicles
The recall includes the following vehicles:
