Following a recall for a number of Toyota (TM) vehicles over an airbag safety issue, the automaker has now recalled 44,000 cars and SUVs because they may have an engine problem.

The recall affects certain 2020 Avalon Hybrid, 2020 Camry, 2020 Camry Hybrid, 2019 to 2020 RAV4, 2019 to 2020 RAV4 Hybrid, and 2020 Lexus ES 300h models sold in the United States.

According to Toyota, the vehicles may be outfitted with an engine block that was incorrectly manufactured, causing the coolant to leak internally and/or externally during normal operation of the vehicle.

The engine issue could lead to engine noise, engine smoke, warning light notifications, malfunction indicator light illumination, audible chiming sounds, and in some cases, engine overheating and internal mechanical engine damage.

The engine problem could also cause vehicles to stall while driving at high speeds without warning, increasing the risk of a crash or it could cause engine damage that results in engine oil leaks, which combined with the ignition source, could increase the risk of a fire.

To repair the issue, Toyota and Lexus dealers will inspect the engine block casting serial number and determine if it is part of the recall. If the engine is identified as one needing repairs, it will be replaced with a new engine block at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners will be notified in early April about the recall. Questions about the recall can be directed to the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or the Lexus Guest Experience Center at 1-800-255-3987.

Shares of Toyota stock were up 0.54% as of 10:18 a.m. EST on Tuesday.

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A Toyota logo is pictured here. GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / KEVORK DJANSEZIAN
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