Toyota recall hits 369,000 Highlanders, Lexuses
Toyota has announced two voluntary聽聽for several Lexus models and certain years of聽聽Hybrid to correct electrical and mechanical issues.
The first recall affects 2006-2008 Lexus RX 400h and 2006-2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models, related to an inverter issue in the car's hybrid assembly. Transistors in the assembly are subject to heat damage "due to variations in characteristics of the transistors鈥� parallel circuits". This damage can cause warning lights to illuminate and in most cases, Toyota says, can cause the vehicle to enter "limp home mode". In limited instances, the聽聽system can shut down, causing the car to pull to a halt.
More Lexus models are affected by the second recall, which covers around 102,000 Lexus IS 350, IS 350C and GS 350聽vehicles from model years 2006-2011. In certain vehicles, bolts securing the variable valve timing control device can work loose, causing the vehicle to stop while being driven.
Toyota says that an abnormal noise can signify early symptoms of the variable valve timing device fault. Owners of all affected vehicles will be notified by first class mail.
In the meantime, concerned owners can learn more聽at聽听补苍诲, or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
