TOKYO: Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling about 43,000 cars in China due to a defect that may cause engine oil to leak, a company spokesman said Friday.

The recall affects four models, the Lexus ES 350, the Lexus RX 350, the Highlander sports utility vehicle and the Previa minivan, said the spokesman, Yuta Kaga.

It comes just months after Toyota announced its biggest ever recall in China, affecting about 688,000 vehicles, due to a defect in the electric window system.

Toyota's reputation for quality has been dented recently by a series of recalls or safety issues, including a fatal accident in California involving an accelerator pedal that jammed under the floor mat.