It’s a recall do-over for 780,000 Toyota SUVs and Lexus hybrids

In what is essentially a do-over for the giant automaker, Toyota is again recalling nearly 780,000 RAV4 sport-utilities and Lexus HS250h hybrids to fix a suspension problem.

Toyota first recalled the 2006 through 2011 RAV4s and 2010 Lexus HS250hs last year but found that some of the dealers did not make the repair correctly. It also has come up with a new fix for the problem, said Cindy Knight, a spokeswoman at the automaker.

The issue involves the rear suspension arm. If nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the arm, also called the rear tire rod, might develop unwanted movement and rust. This could cause it to break and the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash.

Toyota said it will re-notify owners of the cars – including those who completed the first recall - and ask them to take the vehicle to a dealer. The re-inspection will include a revised process and criteria to help better ensure an effective repair, Toyota said.

The new fix involves coating the suspension arm in an epoxy that will prevent corrosion.

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