Toyota announced that it is recalling over 1.5 Million vehicles, including Lexus models, for problems with braking systems and fuel pumps.The vast majority of the vehicles affected by Toyota's most recent recall are in the United States and Japan. This news will keep Toyota owners on edge, but it should be noted that this recall is taking place before any accidents were reported as a result of the problems that the recall is going to address. Toyota identified issues with the brake master cylinder and with some electrical components of its fuel pump in several models.

The models affected by the latest recall in the U.S. include the 2005 and 2006 Avalon, 2004 through 2006 non-hybrid Highlander and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 vehicles.

Despite the PR problems that have plagued Toyota since last year, the company is still producing excellent sales numbers and is likely to maintain its position as the world's leading and most trusted manufacturer of automobiles.

Some analysts suggest that Toyota's most recent spate of recalls is evidence of the company taking a much more proactive approach to small issues with its vehicles. That approach is likely to ensure that the company never again finds itself in the position it held last year, with global concerns about sticking accelerators and other potentially catastrophic problems.

Although Toyota will not be first to market with an all-electric option in the coming months, its standard-setting Prius model continues to be a best-seller around the world for hybrid vehicles.