June 29, 2011—Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inc. announced Wednesday that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving about 45,500 Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles sold in the U.S. The recall includes vehicles from model years 2006 and 2007.
The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) located inside the hybrid system inverter contains a control board with transistors. Transistors 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, according to Toyota.
If that happens, warning lamps will illuminate on the instrument panel. The vehicle will enter a fail-safe driving mode, resulting in reduced power. In some instances, the power supply circuit fuse could blow when the transistor is damaged. The hybrid system will stop and the vehicle will coast to a stop, according to Toyota.
Toyota is currently working on obtaining the necessary replacement parts. Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified of the recall in July. Toyota will send owners notification by mail, advising them to have the IPM inspected and replaced at no charge.
For more information, visit toyota.com/recall or lexus.com/recall.
