(DOW JONES NEWSWIRES) Toyota Motor Corp. (TM, 7203.TO) announced three separate recalls of a combined 1.5 million vehicles, including 740,000 in the U.S., on concerns that brake-fluid leaks eventually could hinder brake performance.
The news comes as a Toyota executive said yesterday that the company’s internal investigation of sudden-acceleration problems that led to massive recalls has produced no evidence of problems with engine electronics.
In the U.S., the latest recall involves Avalon made in 2005 to 2006, nonhybrid Highlanders from 2004 to 2006 and several Lexus models. Another 600,898 vehicles were recalled in Japan and about 200,000 in China.
The world’s biggest auto maker by volume said brake fluid used during maintenance may not contain enough of certain lubricants used in their manufacturing process, which ultimately may result in leaks that eventually could result in a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and a potential decline in braking performance.
The company about two weeks ago said it had completed repairs on more than five million vehicles for three major recalls announced in late 2009 and early 2010 in the U.S. involving unintended acceleration and braking issues.
Toyota in August raised its full-year earnings forecast and posted its highest quarterly profit in two years as brisk demand overshadowed the strong yen and other looming threats.