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Daily Auto News

Toyota is recalling about 39,000 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs to correct a defect involving a decorative chrome exhaust tip fitted to some vehicles.

The recall notice is not yet on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In a press release, Toyota explains, “Due to improper heat treatment, the original clamp used to secure the stainless steel exhaust tip to the exhaust pipe may develop microscopic cracks. If this occurs, the crack may expand causing the clamp to break and in the worst case the exhaust tip may fall off.”

Loss of the exhaust tip would not affect vehicle performance at all — it’s just a decoration — but the tip itself could become road debris.

Complicating matters, Toyota is not sure which Highlanders might have the optional exhaust tip. The feature is installed at the dealership and also sold as a part owners can install at home, so the automaker will be notifying more than 121,000 Highlander owners of the problem.

“Toyota will inform owners of the involved vehicles with a Safety Recall notification via first-class mail beginning in early May,” the automaker says. “The notification will include inspection instructions for owners to determine if their vehicle is equipped with this accessory. Affected owners are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for inspection and repair.” Those who wish to make their own repair arrangements may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

If you’re in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year’s best cars as well as this month’s best car deals.