New Jersey Personal Injury Blog

Toyota to Recall Over 420,000 Vehicles due to Engine Defect

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in cooperation with Toyota Motor North America, Inc., is recalling approximately 420,326 Lexus and Toyota vehicles as the result of an engine defect that may increase the chances of an auto accident resulting in injury.

The crankshift assembly defect may cause the battery discharge light to turn on and create noise. Additionally, the power steering belt may detach from the pulley, resulting in a loss of power steering and subsequent sudden increase in steering difficulty, which increases the risk of an accident.

The vehicles affected by this defect were manufactured from June 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005 and include the:

• 2004 Avalon;
• 2004 and 2005 Camry, Camry Solara, Sienna, and Highlander;
• 2006 Highlander Hybrid;
• 2004 and 2005 Lexus RX330 and ES330; and
• 2006 Lexus RX400H.

The recall is expected to begin January 2012, at which time Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft pulley if defective. For more information, owners of the recalled vehicles may call Toyota at (800) 331-4331 or the NHTSA hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Auto manufacturers are responsible for the safety of the vehicles they produce. If substandard materials are used, it increases the likelihood that an accident may occur.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car accident as the result of a vehicle defect, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. Contact the experienced New Jersey auto product liability attorneys at Blume Goldfaden to determine whether you may have a meritorious claim. Please call (973) 635-5400.