Toyota is recalling 337,449 2006-2011 model-year RAV4 and 2010-MY Lexus HS250h vehicles because the rear suspension arms — or rear tie rods — with adjusting lock nuts may have been improperly tightened during servicing.

As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust. This condition could possibly lead to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The RAV4 compact SUVs at issue were manufactured from Oct. 31, 2005, to Sept. 7, 2010. The Lexus HS250h sedans were manufactured from July 6, 2009, to Aug. 26, 2010.

“Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash,” NHTSA warned on its website.

Toyota dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin Sept. 30.

Vehicle owners can reach Toyota customer service at (800) 331-4331. This recall supersedes a previous one, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced, NHTSA said. Vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this new recall remedy.