The Toyota iQ has become the latest subject of a massive recall.
And a proper recall it is too, made in conjunction with the Government's Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA). Despite the word 'recall' being bandied about whenever a manufacturer, erm, recalls a car, it's only really official if VOSA is involved.
Some 12,000 iQs in the UK require a power steering software update, in particular those built between 11 September 2008 and 22 October 2010. All affected owners are being contacted now to arrange remedial work, which takes approximately two hours.
According to Toyota, there's a possibility the power steering control unit can have a hissy fit if the car drives along a rumble strip, triggering the warning light and reducing or cutting steering assistance.
"This issue has only been observed in very specific circumstances in Japan," says a Toyota press release. Not a single case has been reported in the UK or elsewhere in Europe.
Toyota will ensure that cars built before 22 October 2010 but not yet delivered will have the issue rectified prior to delivery.
Mark Nichol - 8 Nov 2010