More recalls for Toyota

TOYOTA Australia has recalled more than 21,000 previous-generation Avalon, Camry V6 and Kluger models over a potential power steering fault.

The issue – caused by insufficient amounts of adhesive between the inner and outer rings of the crankshaft pulley – has also caused the brand’s luxury arm Lexus to recall more than 2400 ES300 sedans and RX330 SUVs vehicles locally.

The car-maker’s latest recall is part of a wider global campaign involving around 550,000 six-cylinder Toyota and Lexus vehicles in total, 420,000 of which are in the United States.

A statement released by Toyota and Lexus said that the potential crankshaft pulley fault “could cause the outer ring to become misaligned, resulting in an abnormal noise and/or the charging system warning light illuminating”.

“In some cases, the power steering belt may dislodge and a sudden unexpected increase of steering effort could occur,” the company said.

A total of 21,792 Toyota Avalon, Camry V6 and Kluger vehicles produced between June 2004 and March 2005 are affected locally.

From top: Previous generations Kluger, Camry, RX330 and ES300 models.

Toyota Australia said the action is preventative as there has been only one case of the problem occurring here, which did not result in an accident.

The local recall affects 2430 Lexus ES300 and RX330 models, built during the same period as the affected Toyotas.

Lexus Australia said that, like Toyota, one vehicle had been reported as having the problem locally, but that no accidents or injuries are linked.

Toyota has advised that there is no problem with continuing to drive the vehicles and will contact owners at their last known address next month, advising them to see their local dealers to have the issue rectified free of charge.

Toyota has been plagued by numerous large-scale international product recalls in recent times.

In February this year, the company announced a campaign involving 2.2 million vehicles (including Lexus’) in North America due to accelerator pedals becoming trapped in floor mats.

February also saw US road safety authorities give the brand’s electronic throttle system a clean bill of health after an arduous 10-month investigation into claims of unintended acceleration.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) went as far as enlisting NASA engineers in the investigation.

Toyota recalled 1.5 million vehicles globally last October over a potential brake problem, including 17,500 previous-generation Kluger crossovers in Australia.