Major Toyota recall affects 15,000 Prius models in Canada

Toyota Canada has issued a recall for nearly 15,000 vehicles in the country, as part of a larger recall by the corporation of about 2.77 million vehicles globally, for problems related to steering and water pumps.

The problem is related to the steering intermediate extension shaft on certain Prius models, the company’s hybrid vehicle model. Only Prius models are affected in Canada, while other models, including the Corolla, are also affected worldwide.

About 8,740 of the same Prius vehicles in Canada are also being recalled to replace the electric water pump for the hybrid system. The pump, which provides cooling to the hybrid system, could possibly stop functioning, which would illuminate the warning light on the vehicle.

“In limited instances, the electric power supply circuit fuse may open, causing the hybrid system to stop while the vehicle is being driven,” Toyota noted.

Toyota dealerships will inspect the extension shaft and water pumps and replace them if need be, the company said.

No collisions or injuries resulting from the recall issues have been reported, according to the automaker.

This is the second major recall for the company in just over a month. In early October, Toyota recalled 240,000 vehicles in Canada, out of about 7.4 million globally, for a power window switch problem.