Toyota recalls vehicles for steering, pump defects

TOKYO (AP) - Toyota Motor Corp. says it's recalling 2.77 million vehicles around the world for a steering shaft defect that may result in faulty steering and a water pump problem.

Some 1.51 million vehicles are being recalled for the steering defect in Japan and 1.25 million vehicles abroad, including 670,000 in the U.S.  Affected models include the Prius hybrid, Corolla, Wish and other models produced in Japan from 2000 to last year, and from 2000 to 2009 overseas. 

Toyota is also recalling 630,000 vehicles spanning five hybrid models, including the Prius, for a defective water pump.

Japan's top automaker said no accidents have been reported related to these two problems announced Wednesday.

The automaker plans to notify affected owners by mail starting in December. 

Last month, Toyota had a recall for faulty power-window switches.