Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ sports-car twins recalled because the power steering can suddenly fail

MOST recalls happen without incident, but at least 60 customers experienced power steering failure before Toyota and Subaru took action.

The Toyota 86 (pictured) and its Subaru BRZ twin are being recalled due to a power steering failure. Picture: Supplied

IT has a reputation as a sharp handling sports car but it turns out Toyota’s iconic coupe — called simply, the “86” — can be quite a handful.

Toyota is recalling almost every one of its iconic “86” sports cars — a modern cult classic — sold in Australia since 2012 because the power steering can suddenly fail.

The safety recall affects 15,000 of the 17,000 Toyota 86 coupes on Australian roads.

It also affects more than 3000 examples of the Subaru BRZ coupe, which is an identical twin to the Toyota 86 except for the badge and the shape of the front bumper.

Unlike most other recalls, where action is often taken without any faults being experienced by customers, there have been more than 60 “incidents” of sudden loss of power steering in Australia alone.

The Toyota 86 is a modern cult classic. But it’s not immune from the recalls list. Picture: Supplied

EARLIER: Who so many car safety recalls?

A statement from Toyota says the electric power steering harness may interfere with a panel which contains the driver’s knee airbag.

“If this happens, there could be an electrical contact failure which may result in the loss of power steering,” says Toyota.

“A warning light would then illuminate on the dashboard along with a short audible warning while manual steering would be maintained.”

Toyota and Subaru say the cars are driveable without power steering but owners of affected vehicles should contact their nearest dealer for repairs.

Toyota and Subaru will supply and fit the replacement parts free of charge, but repair work may not commence for another month while they wait for the new components.

The Subaru BRZ (left) is also caught up in the recall for the Toyota 86 (right). Picture: Supplied.

Toyota says the power steering sensors can wear over time and accumulate debris, “which may oxidise and become non-conductive”.

“Under this condition if the driver’s knee contacts the knee airbag lower cover, the (power steering) wire harness routed behind the cover also moves significantly, which allows the terminal to contact the debris resulting in electrical contact failure,” says Toyota.

A statement from Subaru Australia said: “It is important to note that even if the power assistance for the steering is lost, the vehicle retains manual steering capability. Nevertheless, Subaru Australia has decided to carry out this recall out of an abundance of caution, following notification from the factory.”

Toyota owners can call 1800 987 366, while Subaru owners of affected vehicles have been asked to contact 1300 550 994.

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling