Thousands of Toyota 86 vehicles recalled

Almost 15,000 Toyota 86 vehicles have been recalled due to the potential loss of power steering assist.

The mass recall, announced by the manufacturer on Thursday, affects right-hand drive vehicles equipped with driver's knee airbags built between April 9, 2012 and March 18, 2015.

The loss of power steering assist, or electrical contact failure, has been linked to an improper wire harness layout near the airbag.

A total of 62 reports of this condition have been filed in Australia with no accident or injury recorded, Toyota Australia said in a statement.

Owners who notice sudden heavy steering or the illumination of the electric power steering (EPS) warning light are advised to stop driving their vehicle.

Toyota Australia says impacted owners will receive a letter in late September or October advising them to book an appointment with their preferred dealer for the repair work, which is expected to take just over an hour.

The power steering electronic control unit and wire harness in the 14,906 affected vehicles will be replaced free of charge.