Toyota to recall over 720,000 cars in Japan

TOKYO, May 21, 2003; Reuters reported that Toyota Motor Corp, the world's third-largest automaker, plans to recall 724,419 cars in Japan spanning nine models including the popular Crown due to a gearbox glitch that could cause steering problems.

Toyota did not disclose the estimated cost of the recall.

There has been no report of any accident from the defect, a Toyota spokeswoman said. She added that the recall resulted from two customer complaints that the steering wheel was making an unusual noise.

The cars to be recalled are certain versions of the Crown, Mark II, Chaser and Cresta built between March 1995 and February 1999. Some Crown police cars will also be recalled.