Toyota Recalls MY 2006 and 2007 Highlander Hybrid and RX 400h Vehicles

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS) announced that it would conduct a voluntary safety recall of more than 110,000 hybrid vehicles in the United States, Japan and Europe over faulty transistors in electrical power control boards. The US market is the most affected, with the Japanese auto giant recalling 45,500 units of its Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles which is because their hybrid system’s Intelligent Power Module may not have been put together properly. This most recent recall affects certain vehicles from MY 2006 and 2007. Roughly 3,000 of the same vehicles are also being recalled in Canada, according to a Toyota spokesperson. Toyota is also recalling 11,164 vehicles of the same model in Japan for the same defect. According to a Toyota spokesperson, the recall will cover roughly 15,000 vehicles in Europe.
This voluntary safety recall is over the issues related to:

• 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 which were inadequately soldered
• Certain transistors which could be damaged from heat caused by large current spikes during high-load driving

If this were to occur:

• Various warning lamps illuminate on the instrument panel
• In most cases the vehicle will enter a fail-safe driving mode, resulting in reduced power
• As a result of reduced power, the vehicle can be driven for short distances only
• In limited instances, the power supply circuit fuse could blow if the transistor is damaged
• In the worst case, the hybrid system will stop and the vehicle will coast to a stop if the fuse blows

Toyota is currently working on procuring the necessary parts for replacement. Toyota doesn’t have the parts it needs to fix its latest problem, but once it does, it will notify individual owners of the recall, most likely in mid-July for free inspections and repairs. In the Interim, owners of the involved vehicles will be notified of the recall by first class mail in mid-July, 2011. Once the sufficient replacement parts are procured, Toyota will send a second owner notification by first class mail. It will advise owners of the affected vehicles as to which authorized Toyota dealer has to be contacted to have the IPM inspected and get it replaced if necessary, at no cost to the owner.
Earlier this month, more hybrid car buyers were hit with bad news. More than 100,000 Priuses are being recalled worldwide over a steering problem. Meanwhile owners of the hybrid cars should check Toyota’s database with their vehicle identification number (VIN) for information if their cars are among those being recalled.
Toyota recalled about 14 million vehicles since 2009

According to the New York Times:

• By 2011 February, Toyota had recalled a total of about 14 million vehicles since 2009, largely over the issues of accelerator pedal
• In April, Toyota recalled 214,000 RAV4s and 94,000 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles for airbag sensor problems
• Toyota recalled 51,000 of its Tundra trucks to inspect their rear drive shafts
• Some Toyota hybrids could stop in their tracks because of an electrical problem leading to a blown fuse

The latest global recall is yet another blow for the company struggling to restore its reputation. It has recalled millions of vehicles since 2009 over safety defects and paid the US authorities nearly 50 million USDs in penalties. Earlier this month Toyota recalled around 139,000 vehicles globally, including 106,000 first-generation Prius hybrid vehicles, over a problem with their steering system.
Information given above is not intended as legal advice. You may continue your lemon law claim or any other contention with your automobiles by contacting Illinois lemon law attorneys of Krohn & Moss Ltd., or Call 1-800 US LEMON® (800-875-3666) toll free, to reach Krohn & Moss for your FREE initial consultation.