Recalls
Lexus RX400h: 11V539000
RepairPal Expert Overview
Our Quick Take:
A problem may develop with the crankshaft pulley. This could result in an abnormal noise, illumination of the Check Engine Light, and/or loss of power steering assist.
What Should You Do?
Toyota will notify owners of affected vehicles beginning in January 2012. If you are experiencing an abnormal engine noise, illumination of the Check Engine Light, and/or loss or power steering, or you don't receive notification and you feel you should have, please contact your dealer. It's helpful to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) when you call.
Summary:
The amount of adhesive applied between the inner and outer parts of the crankshaft pulley may be inadequate. If this is the case, the outer ring may become misaligned and/or not properly rotate with the inner ring, causing an abnormal noise and/or illumination of the Check Engine Light. In some cases, the power steering belt could come off resulting in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the crankshaft pulley and replace it if necessary.
Model Year(s): 2006
Mfr's Report Date:
November 9, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V539000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 420326
Summary: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION OF THE INDICATOR LIGHT.
Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Recall data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Not only does the crankcase pulley fail, but it occurred on our 05 Sienna LE after driving on the Interstate for 250+ miles. With the windows closed, ac on, no radio, only a GPS voice on, you hear nothing. We heard the rattle of the belts (sounds like a failing AC clutch) and got to an open Toyota dealer. The crancase pulley was bowed out and shaped like a bowl,not a flat pulled. The pulley was cutting thru the timing belt cover, and we were about 1/8 inch r less than 50 miles is my guess from losing the crancase pulley, timining belt, and then, the engine. So much for at