Toyota to Recall 82K Hybrids in US

(AP) – Toyota will recall about 82,200 hybrid SUVs in the US because of computer boards with possible faulty wiring. The car giant said today’s recall will involve about 45,500 Highlander and 36,700 Lexus Rx 400h hybrid SUVs from its 2006 and 2007 lines. The action covers just the vehicles sold in the US, with no other models affected. The recall is the latest setback for Toyota, which is just recovering from the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan in March.

The affected vehicles' hybrid system has a computer board with inadequate soldering that could be damaged during high-load driving. If damage were to occur, the company said the vehicles would either continue to operate under reduced power for a short distance, or coast to a stop. The automaker is working on obtaining replacement parts, and for now will notify owners of possibly faulty vehicles by mid-July. Even with a push for recovery, Toyota is expected to lose its spot as the world's top-selling automaker to General Motors this year because of the disasters.