Toyota recall: Does crankshaft flaw affect your car?
Toyota is recalling 420,000 vehicles because of the potential that drivers could lose their power steering.
The Toyota recall includes Avalons, Camrys, Lexuses, and other vehicles manufactured from 2004 to 2006. Specifically on the recall list are certain models of the:
- 聽聽聽聽 2004 Avalon
- 聽聽聽聽 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander, Sienna, and Solara
- 聽聽聽聽 2006 Highlander HV
- 聽聽聽聽 2004 and 2005 Lexus ES330 and RX330
- 聽聽聽聽 2006 Lexus RX400h
The recall only involves only the above models with six-cylinder engines. The four-cylinder models do not pose the risk, Toyoto said in a .
The problem involves the crankshaft pulley of the V6 engines. According to Toyota, the outer ring of the pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring. Drivers may notice increased noise or the discharge warning light going on.
If the condition isn鈥檛 fixed, the belt for the power steering pump may come off and the car would lose its power steering.
鈥淭he driver may notice a sudden increase in steering effort,鈥� the company said in a statement. 鈥淭here are no reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.鈥�
Toyota is waiting until it can get adequate supplies of replacement parts. Then it will notify owners by mail, urging them to make an appointment with a dealer.
Even before official notification of the Toyota recall, owners of one of these recalled vehicles who notice 鈥渁n abnormal noise鈥� from the engine should contact a Toyota or Lexus dealer now.
Dealers will inspect the crankshaft pulley and, if necessary, replace it. There is no charge for the fix.
For more information, Toyota owners can call Toyota (800-331-4331) or Lexus (800-255-3987) or log onto the company鈥檚 website: .听
