Toyota Recalling 760,000 RAV4s Due to Crash Risk

Toyota announced the recall Wednesday of some 778,000 vehicles in the United States due to a suspension problem that could cause crashes.

The recall comprises roughly 760,000 Toyota RAV4's from model years 2006 to 2011, as well as about 18,000 Lexus HS 250h's from 2010.

Toyota said that if the nuts on the rear suspension arms of these vehicles aren't tightened properly during a wheel alignment service, the arms may come loose or separate.

Toyota (TM) spokesman Brian Lyons said that so far in the United States, there have been "nine crashes and three minor injuries alleged to be related to this condition."

In addition to the United States, some 99,000 RAV4's and 1,000 HS 250h's in Canada are being recalled, though no other markets are involved, Lyons said.

The affected drivers may notice a strange noise coming from the rear of their vehicles, Toyota said. The company said it's "preparing the remedy" for the problem, to be performed by dealers at no charge, and will provide further information for car owners by mail.

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In June, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into potential rear suspension failure in an estimated 460,000 RAV4's from between 2006 and 2008.

A NHTSA spokeswoman said the agency "is in contact with Toyota regarding its recall and urges consumers to have their vehicles serviced promptly."

"The agency's investigation remains open pending review of documentation from the manufacturer," the spokeswoman added.

Lyons said Toyota's own investigation preceded the NHTSA probe.