Toyota recalls 690,000 pickups in US over fire risk

 Toyota on Monday said it was recalling about 690,000 Tacoma pickup trucks in the United States to fix a suspension system flaw that could result in vehicle fires, AFP reports.

The safety recall covers model years 2005-2011 Tacoma 4x4 and Tacoma PreRunner pickup trucks, the US unit of Toyota Motor Corporation said.

The trucks' rear suspension system contains springs that could fracture due to stress and corrosion, it warned.

If the broken part moves out of position and contacts the fuel tank repeatedly, it could puncture the tank, causing a fuel leak that increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Toyota said it was not aware of any fires, crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with the condition.

It was the third safety recall issued by Toyota USA this month.

On September 18, the Japanese automaker recalled 20,000 cars due to bad welding on a fuel delivery pipe in the engine compartment that could cause a fuel leak and subsequent fire.

That recall affected 2015 model year Lexus RX, the company's luxury brand, and four 2014 model year brands: Avalon, Camry, Highlander and Sienna.

As in Monday's recall announcement, Toyota had said it knew of no fires, crashes, injuries or fatalities linked to the problem.

A September 11 recall affected 130,000 of 2014 model year Tundra pickup trucks to fix a structure that could interfere with side air-bag deployment in the case of a crash. No crashes, injuries or deaths were reported.