Beijing - Japanese auto giant Toyota on Friday began a recall of nearly 122,000 cars which may have a fault that could cause loss of steering control, the company said.

Toyota's joint venture in the north-eastern city of Tianjin, the Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Company, said a total of 121,930 vehicles contained a fault that could cause electrical failure in the power steering.

Most of the affected vehicles were Crown and Reiz models made in 2005 and 2006, while nearly 5,000 Lexus models made from 2004 to 2006 had similar problems, Toyota said in two recall notices posted on its website.

Toyota, Japan's largest automaker, on Wednesday forecast its first operating loss in 71 years for the current business year. (dpa)