Toyota Recalls 420000 Models

Toyota is recalling about 420,000 of some of its most popular vehicles because an engine issue may cause an unexpected increase in steering effort.

In a news release Wednesday, the automaker said it would replace the crankshaft pulley on the V-6 engine on the 2004 Avalon; 2004-5 Camry, Highlander, Sienna and Solara; 2006 Highlander HV; 2004-5 Lexus ES 350 and RX 330; and the 2006 RX 400h hybrid.

Toyota said a problem with the crankshaft pulley could allow the belt for the power-steering pump to come off of the pulley, causing “a sudden increase in steering effort.”

In a report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota said it received its first reports of the problem in 2007 and suspected the cause to be an inadequate use of adhesive on the crankshaft pulley. The automaker “continued to monitor” the issue and confirmed the cause of the problem earlier this month. It then concluded that a recall was necessary.

Toyota described the recall as voluntary, but once a manufacturer knows of a safety problem it has no choice but to inform the safety agency within five working days of its plan for a recall or face civil penalties.