Toyota Recalls Nearly Half A Million Cars

As if Toyota didn’t have enough recall woes, now the company is announcing another recall—this time for a faulty crankshaft pulley.

The 2006 Lexus RX 400h is one of several models that Toyota is recalling due to a faulty crankshaft pulley.

The company is recalling about 550,000 V-6 powered Lexus and Toyota models worldwide—420,000 or so here in the States—over a defective crankshaft pulley. Due to the defect, the power-steering pump belt could come loose and make steering difficult. Toyota has had 79 reports of the problem since 2007 and there have been no reports of damage or injuries.

The list of affected models includes the 2004-2005 Toyota Sienna, Camry, Solara, and Highlander; the 2004 Toyota Avalon; the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid; the 2004-2005 Lexus ES 330 and RX 330; and the 2006 RX 400h.

Owners will be notified in January, but in the meantime, any owners who hear strange noises from the engine compartment should make an appointment with their local dealer immediately.

[Source: USA Today]