PRODUCT RECALL: Toyota Announces Global Recall of 420,000 Cars due to Steering Probles

November 9, 2011

Torrance - Giant automaker Toyota Motor Corporation has announced the recall of more than 420,000 vehicles for possible steering problems although there had been no report of car accidents or related injuries yet, a statement released from its California headquarters said.

The recall was made after the company has found possible defects in the ‘crankshaft pulley on the V6 engine’ which will affect some 550,000 cars worldwide that include 283,200 Toyota and 137,000 Lexus vehicles.

The recall will also affects some 38,000 cars in Japan, and another 25,000 in Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, 14,000 vehicles face a recall along with 10,000 in the Middle East and 14,000 in Asia outside Japan.

The company said the possible defect, if not corrected – which is the outer ring of the engine’s crankshaft pulley – may be misaligned with the inner ring, that may cause noise or the warning signal to light up. Additionally, the belt for the power steering pump may be detached from the pulley which will make it more difficult to turn the wheel.

The company has issued more than 13 million product recalls in the US alone since September 2009.

Consumers are urged to visit the company site to inquire on recall issues . They can also contact Toyota in the U.S. at 800-331-4331 or and Lexus at 800-255-3987.