Brake fluid leaks spark Toyota, Honda recalls

LOS ANGELES – 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. Honda said it was recalling an undetermined number of Acura sedans and Odyssey minivans.

The Toyota models affected in the United States include the 2005 and 2006 Avalon, 2004 through 2006 Highlander (nonhybrid) and 2004 through 2006 Lexus RX330, as well as 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250 and IS350 sedans. The recall affects 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 determined how many vehicles and what countries will be included in its recall, he said.