Toyota Recalls More Than 750,000 Trucks and SUVs

Toyota Motor Corp., in one of its largest safety recalls ever, said yesterday it is recalling more than 750,000 pickups and sport utility vehicles because of problems with the front suspension that could hinder steering.

The company said the truck and SUV recall covers 774,856 vehicles in the United States, including the 2001-2004 model years of the Tacoma, the 2001-2002 versions of the 4Runner and the 2002-2004 model years of the Tundra and Sequoia.

Toyota said the surface of a ball joint that connects to the front suspension may have been scratched when it was manufactured, which could lead to wear and tear over time. Any excessive wear or looseness in the joint could force drivers to exert more effort when steering, allow the vehicle to drift and increase the amount of noise from the suspension.

Ming-Jou Chen, a Toyota spokeswoman, said the company had confirmed six cases in which the condition existed in the suspension.

There have been no injuries associated with the problems.

Chen said it was one of the largest recalls in company history.

Owners will be notified beginning in July and will be able to have the problem fixed at no cost, Chen said.