Toyota Rav4 drivers in Bahrain have been unaffected by steering and shifting problems that have led to a recall of 235,000 2001 to 2003 models in the US, said a top official of Bahrain's dealership.

Toyota Motor Company brand manager Ayman Shehadeh said there had been no problems reported with the Rav4 models in the Gulf and the model continued to sell well.

Shehadeh said while the Gulf market was unaffected, if problems did arise and they received instructions from TMC officials, repairs would be made free of charge.

Toyota said in a notice to US dealers that drivers of the 2001 to 2003 models equipped with automatic transaxles may experience a "harsh shift" or have a dashboard light turn on indicating a malfunction.

US owners of Rav4s covered by warranties are being sent a letter this month advising them to bring their car to a dealer to be examined if they have experienced a problem with shifting.

Toyota will pay for repairs and extend warranties on the affected Rav4s, said the company. – TradeArabia News Service