A recent SaferCar.gov report addresses the recall of about 82,273 certain model year 2006-2007 Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400H passenger cars manufactured from February 16, 2005, through August 30, 2006. Toyota is recalling the vehicles because a module inside of the inverter module may have improperly soldered transistors. The transistors may become damaged during high-load driving due to heat created by the large current. If this happens, several warning lamps, such as the malfunction indicator lamp, brake system warning light, master warning light, and slip indicator light may become illuminated on the instrument panel.
This defect may cause affected vehicles to go into fail-safe/limp-home mode, limiting the car’s drivability or causing the hybrid system to turn off while the vehicle is still being driven. This would cause the car to stop suddenly, thus increasing the chances of a collision.
Toyota is expected to send notifications to vehicle owners about the recall by mid-July and will be sending additional notices at a later time once parts are available to complete repairs. Toyota dealers will be inspecting hybrid inverter production numbers to identify whether the inverter has faulty transistors. These will be replaced at no cost.
For many people, their vehicle is their most valuable asset, not to mention their main form of transportation, and they expect it to get them to their destination safely. This is, unfortunately, not always the case. If you or a loved one has been injured in Northern California auto accident caused by a defective vehicle or vehicle part, the experienced auto product liability lawyers in San Jose at Van Der Walde & Associates can help you hold at-fault parties financially accountable for your losses. Call us today to find out more at 877-862-6288.
