Toyota, Lexus recall 82,000 vehicles in the U.S.

2006 Lexus RX 400h

Toyota has announced a safety recall involving around 45,500 2006-2007 Highlander Hybrid and 37,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles sold in the United States. The recall involves something called the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) located inside the Hybrid System Inverter, which contains a control board with transistors. Certain transistors on the control boards in some of the subject vehicles were ‘inadequately soldered’ and could be damaged from heat caused by 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,” Toyota said. “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 said it is working on obtaining the necessary parts to fix the issue and will start notifying customers mid-July, 2011. Once it gets the replacement parts, Toyota dealers will inspect the IPM and if necessary replaced at no charge.

Customers can go to www.toyota.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center (1 800-331-4331) or www.lexus.com/recall and Lexus Customer Satisfaction (1 800-255-3987) for more information.

– By: Omar Rana