Toyota is recalling about 550,000 vehicles worldwide, but 80% of the cars affected are in the US, to fix a possible problem related to the engine's crankshaft pulley that could make it harder to steer.
The vehicles that are affected are the 2004 Avalon, the 2004 and 2005 Camry, the 2006 Highlander HV, the 2004 and 2005 Lexus ES330, the RX330 and the 2006 RX400h.
In an official statement, Toyota said “If this condition is not corrected, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley and the driver may notice a sudden increase in steering effort”.
No accidents have been reported as a result of the flaw. The Japanese automaker said it will replace a crankshaft pulley for modes equipped with V6 engines.
Beginning in January, Toyota will mail owners a notification to make an appointment with an authorized dealer to have their car inspected once replacement parts have been produced in sufficient quantities and if necessary, replaced at no charge.
Detailed information and answers to questions are available to Toyota customers at www.toyota.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center (800) 331-4331. For Lexus customers at www.lexus.com/recall and or call Lexus Customer Satisfaction (800) 255-3987.
