Steering Problems Prompt Recall of 420,000 Toyota and Lexus Vehicles

By Staff Writer

In the last 2-3 years, Toyota drivers have been bombarded with several recall warnings. Stuck accelerator pedals proved to be the most deadly (…and numerous in terms of the number of recalled vehicles).

This time, steering problems are leading the Japanese automaker to recall 420,000 of some of its most popular models, including:

• 2004 Toyota Avalon
• 2004-2005 Toyota Camry, Highlander, Sienna and Solara
• 2006 Highlander HV
• 2005 Lexus ES330 and RX330
• 2006 Lexus RX400h

Each of these models comes with either a 1MZ-FE or 3MZ-FE V6 engine.

The issue at hand involves an inadequate amount of adhesive between the outer and inner ring of the crankshaft pulley. This lack of adhesive could potentially cause the outer ring to become misaligned and lead to a malfunction in the vehicle’s steering.

If the outer ring becomes misaligned, drivers will hear a strange noise coming from the engine compartment according to the automaker’s advisory on the matter. This defective ring could also cause the alternator to slip on the pulley and cause a decrease in power. Eventually, all battery power can be depleted if the situation isn’t addressed.

Toyota is currently working to obtain the needed parts. Affected owners will be notified sometime in January to bring their vehicles to a dealer for inspection and repair.

If you have any questions or think you have a problem related to this issue, contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331 or Lexus at (800) 255-3987.

And if you or a loved one has sustained injury due to this or any other malfunctioning product, contact Nashville defective product attorneys at Gilreath & Associates today for a free consultation.

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