Toyota Recalls Hybrid Crossovers and Lexus Cars
Toyota is conducting two voluntary safety recalls. One applies to a couple of its hybrids, the other to a handful of Lexus models.
Approximately 133,000 Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX400h hybrids are being called back for potentially faulty transistors in their drivetrain inverter assemblies. Heat damage can occur to these electronic parts due to variations in their parallel circuits.
Should this problem arise various warning lights in the vehicles’ instrument clusters will illuminate and the crossovers will likely enter “limp-home mode,” with limited on-road functionality. In some instances the fault will completely stop the vehicle.
Additionally the company is recalling Lexus IS 350, IS 350C and GS 350 cars because of a potential engine fault. Bolts that hold the variable valve timing control device in place can become loose, which can stop the vehicle in its tracks, even while it’s being driven. An early-warning symptom of the problem is abnormal engine noise immediately after startup.
Toyota will notify owners of affected vehicles by first-class mail, so if you’ve got a Highlander, RX400h or any of the Lexus cars mentioned above keep an eye on your postbox.
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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