Toyota recalls the RAV4

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010.

If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tire rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tire rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

NHTSA campaign ID Number: 12V373000

NHTSA Action Number: PE12013

Component: Rear suspension

Potential Number of Units Affected: 778,000

Consequence: Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota is currently developing the remedy and will provide a notification schedule when it becomes available. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to Safercar.

(source: Safercar)