In the worst case scenario, the spare tire could separate from the vehicle, creating a road hazard, Toyota said in announcing the recall of two-wheel drive Siennas from the 1998 through 2010 model years.
The recall is the latest in a string that has marred Toyota's reputation for quality. On Tuesday, Toyota halted sales of its Lexus GX 460 luxury SUV after Consumer Reports said its handling in certain curves posed a "safety risk."
The automaker has not yet decided whether it would have to recall the Lexus GX 460, but has said its engineers duplicated the results of Consumer Reports' tests.
For the recall announced on Friday, Toyota said prolonged exposure to high use of road salt could cause excessive corrosion in the cable and the Sienna minivans should be inspected by dealers while Toyota develops a remedy.
The recall covers vehicles sold or registered in cold weather states. Owners in other states also can choose to have their vehicles inspected, Toyota said.
The recall covers the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
