"Toyota Motor Corporation has advised that the electric power-steering system used in Corolla models sold in Australia is different from that used for models sold in the United States," Toyota spokesman Mike Breen told GoAuto.
As you may recall, an investigation is required after some 83 power-steering complaints have been sent to NHTSA since April 2008, Autonews reported. According to the complaints (76 of them), the Corolla unexpectedly veers to the left or right at 40 miles an hour and up.
"We are reviewing steering complaints with the Corolla to determine if a safety-defect investigation is warranted, as is standard procedure with all complaints," NHTSA spokeswoman Karen Aldana told the source.
Those who experienced this say that after they tried to straighten the car, it overcorrects, forcing the drivers to use both hands and a tight grip to keep the car straight. So far, the incidents caused six accidents and 10 injuries.
"If you take your eye off the road for a second, the car will drift into another lane," said one of the drivers. He was backed by a woman who described the experience as "the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me in my life as well as my grandchildren!"
Toyota said nothing on the matter so far. The models possibly affected are built after 2008, when the electric power steering replaced the hydraulic one in the Corolla.
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