Toyota recalls 1.5 million vehicles

The world’s biggest auto-maker is recalling Lexus and Avalon models for break fluid and fuel pump problems.

After decades of building a reputation for quality craftsmanship, Toyota has recalled 10 million vehicles worldwide this year for a variety of problems, including sticky gas pedals that caused cars to accelerate unexpectedly. The latest recall affects 740,000 cars in the U.S. and about 600,000 in Japan that could have problems with their master brake cylinder, leading to weaker breaking power. The Japanese cars could also have problems with their fuel pumps, which would cause their engines to stall. Toyota will repair the vehicles at no charge to the owners. No accidents have been reported as a result of the defects, but the large recall only further damages the company’s image.