New Toyota Recall, this time for Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of some 740,000 vehicles in the United States to address a potential leak problem with a seal in the brake master cylinder. The models that are being recalled in the U.S. are the 2005-2006MY Toyota Avalon, 2004-2006MY Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350. Another 600,898 vehicles were recalled in Japan and approximately 200,000 in China for the same issue.

According to the company, there's a possibility that a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.

"If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline," said the automaker.

Toyota said it will begin notifying owners of the involved vehicles through mail beginning in early November 2010. As with all recalls, Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed free of charge.

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New Toyota Recall for 373,000 Avalon Sedans and 39,000 Lexus LX470 SUVs in the States

Another day, another recall-nightmare for Toyota Motor Corp. This time, the Japanese automaker said it was recalling around 373,000 of its 2000-2004MY Toyota Avalons, and approximately 39,000 of its 2003-2007MY Lexus LX 470s in the U.S. for unrelated problems concerning steering parts that may be defective.

Toyota said in a statement that the Avalon sedan's problem involves the steering interlock system, which due to "improper casting", may develop a crack that can expand, making it difficult to unlock the steering system when stationary. The company said it is possible the steering wheel can become locked while the car is being driven.

The Japanese automaker said it will fix the problem by replacing the steering column bracket on involved vehicles free of charge. The procedure is said to take about two hours to complete. The recall will begin in late August.

Moving on the Lexus LX 470 SUV, the company said the problem here is that the construction of the steering shaft is such that the snap ring on the shaft may disengage if the vehicle hits a pothole or a large bump and the driver makes a hard turn, causing the loss of steering.

"The remedy for this condition involves replacing the snap ring with a newly designed one and the installation of an additional component to prevent separation of the steering shaft," said Toyota in a statement, adding that the fix will be free of charge.

The recall for the LX 470 SUV will begin in mid-August.

Toyota Releases Pricing on 2011MY Cars and Trucks, Adds Standard Brake Overide Tech

Toyota has announced pricing for its U.S. market 2011 model year line-up, which will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of RAV4 that goes on sale in September.

The big news for the 2011 lineup is the installation of brake override technology as standard equipment across the range. This technology is designed to stop a car if the brakes and accelerator are applied simultaneously (see Consumer Report's video after the jump) and was adopted by Toyota to ease consumer concerns over sudden acceleration of its vehicles.

Aside from the redesigned 2011 Avalon that was introduced with the safety feature, brake override technology is now standard on the Yaris, RAV4 SUV, Land Cruiser SUV, Sequoia SUV and Tundra pickup truck.

There are more changes on certain models for the 2011 model year that you can check out in detail in the press release after the jump.

Toyota Press Release:

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2011 Yaris subcompact, RAV4 compact SUV, Land Cruiser premium SUV, Sequoia full-size SUV, and Tundra full-size pickup truck. These 2011 models will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of RAV4 (September). The following 2011 models that are already on sale will receive price adjustments: Camry and Camry Hybrid mid-size sedans, Avalon premium mid-size sedan, and the Sienna minivan.

For 2011 all Yaris models will receive brake override technology as standard equipment. The liftback models will receive sun visor extensions. The base MSRP for Yaris will range from $12,855 for the three-door Liftback with manual transmission to $14,415 for the Sedan with automatic transmission, reflecting an increase of $250, or 1.8 to 2.0 percent.

The RAV4, the first ever car-based SUV, originally introduced in 1996, receives standard brake override technology for 2011, along with an optional Base Plus Extra Value Package that includes a moonroof, six-CD audio system, color-keyed door handles, upgraded interior fabric, roof rails, privacy glass, 17- inch alloy wheels, tonneau cover (on two-row models), and daytime running lights. The base MSRP for RAV4 will range from $21,925 for the Base four cylinder 2WD model to $28,235 for the Limited V6 4WD model with automatic transmission, an increase of $250, or 0.9 to 1.2 percent.

Land Cruiser, Toyota's premium full-size SUV, will be fitted with brake override technology and the previously optional driver and front passenger Active Seat Belt Pretensioning System is now standard. Land Cruiser will carry a base MSRP of $67,370, an increase of $1,400, or 2.1 percent.

The 2011 Sequoia full-size SUV will also receive brake override technology. A Daytime Running Lights on/off switch has been added and Platinum models will receive a new interior wood- grain-style trim. The MSRP for the 2011 Sequoia will range from $39,580 for the SR5 4.6- liter V8 2WD model to $59,955 for the Platinum 5.7- liter V8 4WD model, an increase of $550, or 0.9 to 1.4 percent.

Tundra, Toyota's full-size pickup truck will receive changes to the interior. The ashtray has been discontinued as a standard feature, and the cigarette lighter has been replaced with a 12V power outlet. The design of the seat headrests has been revised. Mechanical changes include a change in the 4.0- liter V6 engine to a dual VVT-i system with roller rockers and hydraulic lifters for enhanced performance and efficiency. Trailer- sway control programming and brake override technology have been added as standard equipment. The MSRP for the 2011 Tundra will range from $23,935 for the Regular Cab 4.0- liter V6 2WD model to $42,455 for the Limited Crew Max 5.7 liter V8 4WD model, an increase range of $425 to $480 or 0.0 to 1.7 percent. There will be no price change on Limited models.

Avalon, Toyota's flagship passenger car since 1995, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. Already in production for the 2011 model year, the base MSRP for the Avalon now ranges from $32,445 for the Avalon grade to $35,685 for the Limited, an increase of $200, or 0.6 percent.

The 2011 Camry, the top selling passenger car in America for the last eight years, also receives a price adjustment. The MSRP for the Camry ranges from $19,720 for the base four cylinder model to $29,370 for the XLE V6, an increase of $125, or a range of 0.4 to 0.6 percent.

Model year 2011 Camry Hybrid receives a MSRP adjustment to $26,575, reflecting an increase of $175, or 0.7 percent.

For 2011, the Sienna minivan entered its third generation. The new Sienna receives a MSRP adjustment, ranging from $24,460 for the Base four cylinder model to $39,970 for the Limited V6 AWD model, an increase of $200, or a range of 0.5 to 0.8 percent.

The 2011 Scion xD receives changes to both the interior and exterior. There is a new honeycomb-style grille, and a rear color-keyed spoiler for enhanced styling. Vehicle ride height has been adjusted, and the shock absorber tuning has been optimized for enhanced handling. The interior receives a new fabric for the door panel armrest. The base MSRP ranges from $15,045 for the manual transmission model to $15,845 for the automatic transmission an increase of $145, or 0.9 to 1.0 percent.

*Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $760 for passenger cars, $810 for light trucks and $975 for large trucks (Sequoia and Tundra). The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

2011 Toyota Avalon: Redesigned Sedan Premieres in Chicago Amidst Recall Frenzy

Rest assured, the last thing on anybody's mind during the presentation of the facelifted 2011 Avalon was the car itself. But there's no need to repeat the same questions and answers we've already heard over and over the past couple of weeks, so let's concentrate on the refreshed Avalon saloon.

First of all, Toyota guaranteed that when new Avalon reaches Toyota's US dealerships this spring, it will have the redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and -just in case- a brake override system.

Unfortunately, the faint redesign didn't cure another dangerous feature of the Avalon, its... 'killer' (by boredom) looks. Then again, we reckon that as long as it keeps a steady pace on the road, its "mature" audience won't mind at all.

What Toyota describes as a "bold redesign" on the outside translates to new headlamps, a wider grille, front fog lamps that are now integrated into a trapezoidal front bumper, extra chrome trim down the side and redesigned rocker panels.

The revised tail lights and rear bumper at the back along with the 17-inch wheels on the Limited grade complete the list with the exterior updates.

More attention was paid to the interior that gets a new instrument panel incorporates with... highly readable Optitron gauges and trim finishes, reshaped rear headrests and thicker stitching on the seats.

In addition, the leather-trimmed front seats and seatbacks on the Limited are fitted with ventilation systems and an enlarged perforation area, while Bluetooth connectivity, USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connections for iPod and other audio devices are now standard across the range.

The optional DVD Navigation system has been revised and includes new displays for road icons and points of interest, and a keyboard screen arranged in the same way as a personal computer.

There are no changes under the hood with all 2011 Avalons featuring a 268HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission. According to Toyota, the 2011 Avalon returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined

The 2011 Avalon will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships nationally in spring 2010.