Steering Recall

[Jamar.Stroud]

Does anyone know any further about the recall that Toyota started issuing today? Specifically if and/or how it affects a '08 Highlander AWD.

[9volt]

The latest recall is due to the possibility that the outer ring of the engine’s crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing noise or a warning signal to light up, the company’s U.S. sales unit said in a press release. If the problem isn’t corrected, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley, making it suddenly more difficult to turn the steering wheel.

In the United States, the automaker is recalling 283,200 Toyota brand cars, including the 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander, Sienna and Solara, the 2004 Avalon and the 2006 Highlander HV. Its recall of 137,000 Lexus vehicles includes the 2004 and 2005 ES330 and RX330 and 2006 RX400h.

[TrailDust]

Apparently this affects the Gen 1 Highlanders, not Gen 2 Highlanders, so you're in the clear:

http://pressroom.toyota.com/safety-recall/

[Jamar.Stroud]

Thanks for the replies!

[sweeneyp]

prepare for every Toyota hating person to come out again and bash toyota saying they are the worst brand out there..... My favorite part of this recall is this:
"...., though no problems have been reported so far."
So the belt could fail and lose power steering (not a massive deal, if you have ever driven without P/S, its not the end of the world (now in a parking lot I take that back haha)). I wouldn't say this is a bad recall, like the pedal ones.

I take this as a good sign that Toyota is fixing problems that have never caused issues, while other manufactures turn a blind eye to problems claiming they aren't responsible for problems under their older self (GM, before/after bankruptcy)

[AVConsult]

After the gas pedal debacle, Toy is running a bit paranoid about prompt problem solution, especially related to primary systems, like steering. All to our benefit, it seems.