Owners of Toyota Avalons and Lexus LX 470s may be getting a recall notice soon as the carmaker moves to fix a steering problem.

Toyota Canada is recalling nearly 5,000 Avalons and Lexus LX 470 vehicles in Canada due to steering problems. (Jeff Chu/Associated Press)

The recall affects 4,720 cars that were sold in Canada: 4,200 Avalons, from model years 2000 to 2004, and 520 LX 470s, from model years 2003 to 2007.

About 450,000 of the cars sold in Japan and the United States are also being recalled.

According to Toyota Canada the problem lies in the steering interlock system.

Improper casting of the steering lock bar could lead to a crack that could make the steering lock difficult to unlock when the car is stationary, or, worse, could cause the steering wheel to lock while the car is in motion.

Toyota Canada said they are not aware of any accidents caused by the problem.

As part of the recall Toyota will replace the steering lock bracket on affected cars, a procedure that it said takes about two hours.

Owners will be notified of the recall by mail in August.

Since October, Toyota has recalled 8.5 million cars worldwide for a variety of problems.