Toyota recalls 550,000 cars globally

TOKYO (AP) - Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling about 550,000 vehicles worldwide -- mostly in the United States -- for possible problems related to the crankshaft pulley on the engine that could make it harder to steer.

Toyota's U.S. sales unit said in a statement Wednesday that if the problem isn't corrected, there is a possibility the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley.

The recall affects 283,200 Toyota brand cars and 137,000 Lexus vehicles in the United States, including the 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander and Sienna.

Toyota spokesman Dion Corbett said some 38,000 cars are being ecalled in Japan, as well as 25,000 in Australia and New Zealand. Corbett said there have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to the problems.