BEIJING - Japanese automaker Toyota will recall 426 Lexus RX300 cars sold to China due to glitches in crankshaft pulleys, China's quality watchdog said Wednesday.

The recall, effective Dec 1, targets the Lexus RX300 produced between June 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine said in a statement on its website.

The recall is due to loose cohesion between the belt pulleys and antivibration rubber that triggers a warning light. In some cases, it can cause the detachment of the belt for the power steering pump, which makes steering difficult and is a safety risk, the statement said.

Toyota said it will mail its customers directly to notify them of the recall. They can get their vehicles fixed at the nearest sales outlet.