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Toyota recalls 550k cars

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Wed, 09 Nov 2011 8:28p.m.

The recall affects 283,200 Toyota brand cars and 137,000 Lexus vehicles in the US

The recall affects 283,200 Toyota brand cars and 137,000 Lexus vehicles in the US

Toyota Motor Corp is recalling about 550,000 vehicles worldwide – and while most of the cars are in the United States, 25,000 are in Australia and New Zealand.

The recall is due to possible problems related to the crankshaft pulley on the engine that could make it harder to steer.

Toyota's US sales unit said in a statement that if the problem isn't corrected, there is a possibility the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley.

The recall affects 283,200 Toyota brand cars and 137,000 Lexus vehicles in the United States, including the 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander and Sienna.

Toyota spokesman Dion Corbett said some 38,000 cars are being recalled in Japan, as well as the 25,000 in Australia and New Zealand. Corbett said there have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to the problems.

AP

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Comments

10 Nov 2011 09:28a.m.

Ricardo wrote:

Useless reporting. Tell us the year, the model...anything that might be viewed as useful.

10 Nov 2011 08:38a.m.

Longtack wrote:

Here ya go fellas - from the Toyota NZ website. I have an '89 Hiace 1800 V4 so no problem for this workhorse. V6 engine crankshaft pulley recall 09.11.11 V6 ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY RECALL Toyota New Zealand advises that just under 1,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles are affected by a precautionary engine component recall. Toyota New Zealand General Manager Customer Services, Spencer Morris, says the affected part is the crankshaft pulley used on the 3 litre V6 1MZ-FE engine and 3.3 litre V6 3MZ-FE engine used in some 2004/2005 Toyota Camry, Highlander, Harrier, and Estima models. This engine was also used in the Lexus RX range during the same years. The pulley drives the belt which operates the power steering, alternator and air conditioner. In rare cases, the inner and outer pulley parts may start to separate. If left unchecked, the pulley may eventually stop driving the belt, leading to an increase in steering effort. Drivers may first notice an unusual noise, or the illumination of the red battery charge warning light. Spencer Morris says the issue affects 990 vehicles imported by Toyota New Zealand. “There have been 79 failures reported globally from the half million vehicles exported from Japan with these pulleys. None of the failures have resulted in steering issues which caused a collision.” Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by Toyota and asked to contact an authorised Toyota or Lexus dealer, who will repair the vehicle for free. The repair should take less than two hours. “With the assistance of the New Zealand Transport Agency, we will also contact all known owners of vehicles imported independently, and replace the affected part free of charge,” says Spencer Morris.

09 Nov 2011 09:35p.m.

Bob wrote:

Somewhere, at sometime, something might happen. nice reporting, very informative

09 Nov 2011 09:08p.m.

Bassa wrote:

What a meaningless story. So now everyone owning a Toyota is wondering if their vehicle is subject to the recall as the story neither tells which vehicles are affected or how Toyota are notifying (if they indeed are) affected owners. Come on 3 News and Toyota, next time provide some substance to the story.