Toyota Avensis, Corolla, Prius Recall R/2012/145: Loss Of Steering, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 3 Dec 2012
- Launched
- 61,910
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2012/145
- DVSA reference
Toyota recalled Avensis, Corolla, Prius vehicles built between 6 July 2001 and 27 March 2009. The splines of the extension shaft on vehicles equipped with Electric Motor assisted Power Steering (EMPS) may not have received the correct hardness treatment. The dealer will check and if necessary replace the shaft. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The splines of the extension shaft on vehicles equipped with Electric Motor assisted Power Steering (EMPS) may not have received the correct hardness treatment. This can cause the spline to distort and wear and eventually result in loss of steering.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: LOSS OF STEERING Defect: It is possible that the splines of the extension shaft on vehicles equipped with Electric Motor assisted Power Steering (EMPS) may not have received the correct hardness treatment. This can cause the spline to distort and wear and eventually result in loss of steering. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles check and if necessary replace the shaft.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the spline to distort and wear and eventually result in loss of steering.
The Fix
The dealer will check and if necessary replace the shaft.
Are You Affected?
Avensis, Corolla, Prius built between 6 July 2001 and 27 March 2009 may be included. Toyota estimates 61,910 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Toyota, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Toyota.
- Book with any franchised Toyota dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2012/145. See how to get a Toyota recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriusRelay and Wire Harness installation on certain Prius | Book soon | R/2026/027 | |
| C-HR, C-HR Plug IN, Corolla, Corolla Cross and 6 moreCombination meter reprogramming on multiple models | Low | R/2025/270 | |
| Auris, C-HR, CorollaHigh-Pressure Fuel Pump replacement on multiple models | Urgent | R/2024/514 | |
| CorollaBrake actuator Skid control ECU reprogram on Certain Toyota Corolla 24SD-146 | Urgent | R/2024/463 | |
| Auris, C-HR, CorollaAffected vehicles are fitted with a high-pressure fuel pump which over time could develop a crack which could lead to a fuel leak and a risk of a vehicle fire | Urgent | R/2023/298 |
This is one of 250 Toyota recalls in DVSA’s data. The Toyota recall launched before it was R/2012/118 on 26 Oct 2012, for fire may occur. The one launched after it was R/2012/146 on 3 Dec 2012, for short circuit may occur. You can also see every Toyota recall, the Toyota Prius recall history, all recalls launched in 2012 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2012/145, launched 3 December 2012. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.