Toyota to recall 34,000 vehicles worldwide

Tokyo,(DPA) Toyota Motor Corp announced Tuesday that the world's largest automaker would recall about 34,000 vehicles worldwide to update the stability software programme.

The recall affects all Lexus GX 460 sport utility vehicles sold throughout the world, including about 9,400 units in the US and about 1,000 units each in Russia and Oman.

It also includes around 21,000 Land Cruiser Prado cars, only left-hand drive vehicles. They include 4,400 units in Oman, 4,000 units in Russia and 1,500 units in the United Arab Emirates, Toyota said.

A warning issued last week by US magazine Consumer Reports prompted Toyota to take the step. The magazine gave consumers a "Don't buy" warning concerning the Lexus GX 460, saying the vehicle was at risk of rolling over when drivers make turns at high speed. The Japanese automaker has halted worldwide sales of the SUV since then.

Toyota is already reeling from a global recall of more than eight million vehicles in recent months due to brake problems and uncontrollable acceleration.

Toyota agreed Monday to pay a record $16.4 million fine in the US to settle allegations that it failed to alert authorities about sticky accelerator pedals.

The automaker did not admit guilt, saying it agreed to pay the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in order to avoid a long legal dispute.