Image copyright Toyota

Toyota is recalling 690,000 Tacoma pickup trucks in the US because of a potential vulnerability in the vehicles' suspension systems.

The firm said that leaf springs at the back of the trucks could fracture and come loose "due to stress and corrosion".

If the loose spring hits the fuel tank, it could cause a leak, and even lead to a fire, Toyota added.

There are no reported injuries associated with the fault.

In a separate development on Monday, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was looking into whether some Toyota Corolla models accelerate unexpectedly at low speeds.

The agency is deciding whether to launch an official investigation into the matter.

The Tacoma recall applies to the following models:

Tacoma 4x4 (2005-2011)

Tacoma Pre-Runner (2005-2011)

Owners of the affected vehicles can get more information by visiting Toyota's website.

Toyota has previously recalled millions of vehicles for problems including braking failures and sticking accelerator pedals.

In March, the US Justice Department fined the firm $1.2bn for misleading customers over safety issues.

That was the largest criminal penalty imposed on a car maker in the US.