Toyota and Honda recalling millions of vehicles to fix brakes

Two major Japanese automakers — Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. — said Thursday that they were recalling millions of vehicles to fix brakes that could leak fluids and hamper stopping power.

Toyota is calling back and repairing free 1.53 million Avalon, Highlander and Lexus vehicles. Separately, Honda said it was recalling an undetermined number of Acura sedans and Odyssey minivans.

Toyota’s latest move follows a string of vehicle callbacks that has seen the world’s largest auto manufacturer recall more than 10 million cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans because of various problems, including sticky gas pedals and defective electronics.

Both Toyota and Honda said they received no reports of injuries or accidents because of the brake fluid problems that led to the latest recalls.

The Toyota models affected in the U.S. include the 2005 and 2006 Avalon, 2004 through 2006 Highlander (non-hybrid) and 2004 though 2006 Lexus RX330, as well 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250 and IS350 sedans. In all, the automaker is recalling 740,000 vehicles in the U.S. and 599,000 in Japan, as well as vehicles in other countries.

Honda’s recall includes some 2005 through 2007 Acura RL sedans and 2005 to 2007 Honda Odyssey minivans, spokesman Jon Fitzsimmons said. Honda has not yet determined how many vehicles and what countries will be included in its recall, he said.

Toyota is issuing the recall to address reports that brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder and set off the vehicle’s brake warning lamp, spokesman Brian Lyons said.

A Honda spokeswoman said Thursday that its recall involved the same brake parts from the same supplier as that used by Toyota.

Toyota and Lexus owners in the U.S. will receive their recall notices in the mail starting early next month, Lyons said.

nathan.olivarezgiles@latimes.com