Toyota Announces Voluntary Safety Recall
The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) located inside the Hybrid System Inverter 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 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 is currently working on obtaining the necessary replacement parts. Once the replacement parts are available, we will notify owners. In the Interim, owners of the involved vehicles will be notified of the recall by first class mail in mid-July, 2011.
Once the replacement parts have been produced in sufficient quantities, Toyota will send a second owner notification by first class mail advising owners to make an appointment with an authorized Toyota dealer to have the IPM inspected and if necessary replaced at no charge.
Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center (1 800-331-4331) or www.lexus.com/recall and Lexus Customer Satisfaction (1 800-255-3987).
Customer FAQs for Lexus RX 400h Intelligent Power Module Recall
1. Which models are involved in the recall?
Lexus is recalling approximately 36,700 2006 – 2007 model year RX 400h vehicles sold in the U.S.
In addition, Toyota is recalling approximately 45,500 2006 – 2007 model year Highlander Hybrid vehicles sold in the U.S.
No other vehicles are involved in this recall.
2. What is the condition?
Certain transistors on the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) 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.
3. Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?
Yes, if the condition 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.
4. Have there been any reports of accidents?
There have been no reports of accidents related to this condition.
5. What is Toyota going to do?
Toyota is currently working on obtaining the necessary replacement parts. Once the replacement parts are available, we will notify owners. In the Interim, owners of the involved vehicles will be notified of the recall by first class mail in mid-July, 2011.
Once the replacement parts have been produced in sufficient quantities, Toyota will send a second owner notification by first class mail advising owners to make an appointment with an authorized Toyota dealer to have the IPM inspected and if necessary, replaced at no charge.
6. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will I have to pay any money out of pocket for this repair?
The inspection and, if necessary, replacement will be performed at no charge to the customer.
7. What should an owner do if they experience the condition, or have immediate concerns about their vehicle?
If an owner has any immediate concerns, they are requested to contact their local dealer or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25-LEXUS (1-800-255-3987).
