Toyota just can’t get pass its recall problems. Today, the troubled Japanese automaker issued a voluntary recall that involves approximately 283,200 Toyota and 137,000 Lexus vehicles equipped with V6 engines to replace the crankshaft pulley.

According to the company, there is a possibility that the outer ring of the engine’s crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing noise and/or trigger a warning light on the dashboard.

The Japanese firm said that if not fixed, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley and the driver may suddenly notice an increase in steering effort.

The vehicles involved in Toyota’s latest voluntary recall are V6 versions of these models:

  • 2004 Avalon
  • 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander, Sienna, and Solara
  • 2006 Highlander HV
  • 2004 and 2005 ES330 and RX330
  • And 2006 RX400h

In the U.S., Toyota will begin sending notifications to owners in early January 2012 and if you’re wondering why the delay, the company said that it is currently working on obtaining the necessary replacement parts.

Toyota added that if any owners of the affected models hear an abnormal noise coming from the engine compartment, they should make an appointment with any Toyota or Lexus dealer to have their vehicle checked for this condition.

For more details, owners can visit www.toyota.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center (1 800-331-4331) [www.lexus.com/recall and Lexus Customer Satisfaction (1 800-255-3987)].

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