Toyota Motor Corp. said Friday it is recalling 15,600 four-by-four versions of the 2007 Tundra pickup truck in the United States because of problems with a propeller shaft connected to the rear axle.

The automaker said a joint in the rear propeller shaft may have been improperly heat-treated, leading to an inadequate amount of hardness. A section of the rear propeller shaft could separate at the joint and immobilize the truck and force it to coast to a stop, the company said.

Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong said in an e-mail that there were no accidents or injuries linked to the recall. The rear propeller shaft helps drive the rear axle, which turns the rear wheels.

Toyota has learned of one case that could be linked to the problem. It involved an abnormal amount of noise coming from the truck's undercarriage.

Owners will be notified of the recall beginning in late December and will need to contact dealers to have their truck inspected. Toyota said if the hardness is not correct, the dealer will replace the rear propeller shaft at no charge.

Customers with additional questions can contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331.