More Trouble For Toyota? Owners Report Power-Steering Problems

The Japanese automobile manufacturer, which has recalled some 8.5 million cars, may be forced to recall more of its popular Corolla model in light of reported problems with the vehicle's power steering system, the Associated Press reports and NPR's Wendy Kaufman confirms.

According to the news network, Shinichi Sasaki, head of quality control for Toyota, says there have been fewer than 100 complaints about the steering mechanisms in Corollas:

Sasaki said drivers may feel as though they were losing control over the steering, but it was unclear why. He mentioned problems with the braking system or tires as possible underlying causes of the steering problem. U.S. officials are also investigating the complaints.

He stressed that the company's internal investigation was still preliminary and no decision had been made, but that the company was prepared to supply fixes -- including a recall as one possibility -- if it find defects.

Earlier today, Toyota Motor Corp. announced that Akio Toyoda, its president, will not travel to the United States, to testify in front of a congressional committee.