Toyota recalls 1.7 million cars to fix fuel leaks

Toyota Motor Corp. has recalled nearly 1.7 million cars worldwide for possible fuel leaks. The recalls were mostly in Japan, but included the Lexus IS and GS luxury sedans sold in North America. There were no accidents suspected of being caused by these problems, according to Toyota. The carmaker has received 77 complaints overseas, 75 of them in North America and more than 140 in Japan. The recalls involved defective floor mats and gas pedals that get stuck, some of them suspected of causing unintended acceleration. Koji Endo, auto analyst with Advanced Research Japan in Tokyo, said the newest recalls will cost Toyota about ¥20 billion (US$243.75 million). (January 27, 2011)