Toyota Motors has told US owners of their high-priced passenger cars and SUVs that they could be in for a recall.

Recalls of Toyota Avalon sedans and Lexus LX470 sport utility vehicles in the United States and Canada will be specifically to fix steering problems.

Toyota has issued notices for the recall of 373,000 of its 2000 to 2004 model year Avalons in the US because of a steering lock bar problem.

The company has said the steering lock in these vehicles could break under some conditions.

The automaker also is recalling 4,200 of Avalons in Canada.

Toyota will also recall 39,000 LX470 SUVs from the 2003 to 2007 model years in the US and 520 in Canada to eliminate a risk of the steering shaft coming loose.

It is expected the recall will cost Toyota about $70 million plus parts.