- Toyota is recalling 45,500 2006-'07 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles in the U.S. because a power-supply circuit fuse could blow, causing the hybrid system to stop, the automaker said on Wednesday.
- Toyota said it is working on obtaining the necessary replacement parts and expects to begin the recall in mid-July.
- Toyota will replace the intelligent power module in the hybrid system inverter.
TORRANCE, California — Toyota is recalling 45,500 2006-'07 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles in the U.S. because a power-supply circuit fuse could blow, causing the hybrid system to stop, the automaker said on Wednesday.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which oversees vehicle recalls in the U.S., had not posted any information about this latest Toyota recall as of Wednesday morning.
"The intelligent power module located inside the hybrid system inverter contains a control board with transistors," said Toyota in a statement. "Certain transistors on the control boards in some of the subject vehicles were inadequately soldered and could be damaged from heat caused by a large current flow during high-load driving.
"If this were to occur, various warning lamps will illuminate on the instrument panel. In most cases, the vehicle will enter a fail-safe driving mode, resulting in reduced power in which the vehicle can still be driven for short distances. In limited instances, the power supply circuit fuse could blow when the transistor is damaged. If the fuse blows, the hybrid system will stop and the vehicle will coast to a stop."
Toyota did not disclose whether there have been any injuries or accidents linked to the problem. That information is likely to be disclosed in documentation the automaker must provide to federal regulators.
Toyota said it is working on obtaining the necessary replacement parts and expects to begin the recall in mid-July. Toyota will replace the intelligent power module in the hybrid system inverter. Owners of the Highlander Hybrid can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners of the Lexus RX 400h can contact Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Inside Line says: If you own the 2006-'07 Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Lexus RX 400h, be aware that a recall is in the works.
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alex38 says:
06:26 PM, 07/01/2011
it's been a few months since Toyota's last recall...i was wondering what was taking so long for the next one to be issued..
I'm hearing that recalls have now exceeded 14 MILLION vehicles. I guess once you're over the magic 10 million mark, it's kind of easy to lose track..
dgmail says:
03:28 AM, 06/30/2011
Really, jscion.
Turd-ota has over 11 million last year alone, and they keep adding to it this year.
I see it as them finally fessing up to the decades they got away with producing junk vehicles, but were media darlings for the freebee perks they offered journalist for favorable reviews.
As a past Turd-ota owner that had to sit through Turd-ota denials about "engine sludge" that they say never happend. I find it refreshing they are getting dragged through the mud (now) on their recall prone vehicles.
jscion says:
04:40 PM, 06/29/2011
For what it's worth, Toyota is really the only car company that makes a full line of hybrid vehicles so recalls have to be expected in new technology. EVERY car company has recalls and many have alot more of them under their belt than Toyota.
jonthecarguy says:
04:21 PM, 06/29/2011
@ed341
LOL...I had a Nissan Xterra, and my mom had a Dodge Durango that did the same thing....always the rear brakes.
ed341 says:
08:25 AM, 06/29/2011
Still waiting on the Toyota to recall 4Runners for brake calipers that like to seize up. I'm sure the BRAKES aren't an essential safety feature, or anything..