IllustrationWHIKE DRIVING AT 10 MPH POWER BRAKES FAILED. *AK
2004 Lexus RX330
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most RX330 years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Lexus RX330 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 36.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all RX330 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
810–25K
2525–50K
2450–75K
2275–100K
26100–150K
10150K+
188 reports with mileage · 99 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
37 crash reports1 fire reports20 injury reports
What owners actually said
287 reportsSUN GLARE FROM DASHBOARD REFLECTS IN THE WINDSHIELD OBSTRUCTING VISIBILITY. LEXUS RX330. DEALER SAYS OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED BUT NO FIX OTHER THAN DASH COVER. TRIED DASH COVER BUT ONLY BLACK WORKS TO SOME EXTENT. BLACK DOES NOT MATCH THE TAN LEATHER INTERIOR OF THIS LUXURY VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN TRAVELIN…
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SUN GLARE FROM DASHBOARD REFLECTS IN THE WINDSHIELD OBSTRUCTING VISIBILITY. LEXUS RX330. DEALER SAYS OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED BUT NO FIX OTHER THAN DASH COVER. TRIED DASH COVER BUT ONLY BLACK WORKS TO SOME EXTENT. BLACK DOES NOT MATCH THE TAN LEATHER INTERIOR OF THIS LUXURY VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN TRAVELING A TREE LINED STREET INTO THE SUN WHERE THERE IS ALTERNATING BRIGHT SUN AND SHADE.*AK
RE: SUPPLEMENT TO CONSUMER COMPLAINT #10091268 LEXUS RX 330 TRANSMISSION/THROTTLE PROBLEMS. *BF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HESTIATES, HUNTS, SHIFTS INCONSISTENTLY, HANGS IN BETWEEN GEARS, DELAYES, ETC. THE THROTTLE DELAYS AT THE FIRST APPLICATION OF GAS AND THE RATE OF ACCELERATION SURGES UP AND DOWN UNEVENLY. DEALER COULD NOT F…
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RE: SUPPLEMENT TO CONSUMER COMPLAINT #10091268 LEXUS RX 330 TRANSMISSION/THROTTLE PROBLEMS. *BF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HESTIATES, HUNTS, SHIFTS INCONSISTENTLY, HANGS IN BETWEEN GEARS, DELAYES, ETC. THE THROTTLE DELAYS AT THE FIRST APPLICATION OF GAS AND THE RATE OF ACCELERATION SURGES UP AND DOWN UNEVENLY. DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. *TT
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS RENDERED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY UNSAFE, PRONE TO POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS. *BF THE CONSUMER DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM AS LAG OR HESITATION WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM FIRST TO SECOND AND OR SECOND TO THIRD, SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE REVVED UP TO THE REDLINE WITH OUT THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGING. THE DEALER RESET…
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TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS RENDERED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY UNSAFE, PRONE TO POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS. *BF THE CONSUMER DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM AS LAG OR HESITATION WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM FIRST TO SECOND AND OR SECOND TO THIRD, SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE REVVED UP TO THE REDLINE WITH OUT THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGING. THE DEALER RESET A COMPUTER CHIP THAT WAS INVOLVED IN REGULATING THE POWER TRAIN SYSTEM. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS ELSE THAT COULD BE DONE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE RESULT OF THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. (LAWYER IRA NEWMAN ON BEHALF OF CLIENT, PETER JANCZUK)*JB
REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WITHOUT PROBABLE CAUSE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WINDOW BROKE DUE TO EXTREME HEAT. *AK THE CONSUMER PURCHASED ANOTHER 2004 LEXUS (MODEL/RX330) AND THE SAME WINDOW SHATTERED. THE SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED THAT THIS HAPPENED DUE T…
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REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WITHOUT PROBABLE CAUSE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WINDOW BROKE DUE TO EXTREME HEAT. *AK THE CONSUMER PURCHASED ANOTHER 2004 LEXUS (MODEL/RX330) AND THE SAME WINDOW SHATTERED. THE SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED THAT THIS HAPPENED DUE TO HEAT. *SC *JB
SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT MY CAR THE TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN SHIFTING PROPERLY. IT HESITATES IN LOW GEARS WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATES . THE MOST BOTHERSOME IS THE LACK OF PROPER RESPONSE WHEN THE DRIVER NEEDS TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN ACCELERATE (SUCH AS TURNING LEFT OR CHANGING LANES TO AVOID OBSTACLES OR DOUBLE PARKED CARS). IN THESE CA…
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SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT MY CAR THE TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN SHIFTING PROPERLY. IT HESITATES IN LOW GEARS WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATES . THE MOST BOTHERSOME IS THE LACK OF PROPER RESPONSE WHEN THE DRIVER NEEDS TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN ACCELERATE (SUCH AS TURNING LEFT OR CHANGING LANES TO AVOID OBSTACLES OR DOUBLE PARKED CARS). IN THESE CASES TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO GO INTO NEUTRAL, AND AFTER ABOUT A SECOND GOES INTO THIRD OR FOURTH GEAR WITH A RAPID , JERKY MOVEMENT OF THE WHOLE CAR, WHICH I WOULD COMPARE TO BEING REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER CAR. IT HAPPENED TO ME AND MY WIFE 4 TIMES AND RESULTED IN NECK PAIN AND HEADACHE, AND ALMOST BEING HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. LEXUS DEALER AND CUSTOMER CARE STATE THAT THE CAR WAS DESIGNED TO WORK THIS WAY AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO.*AK
THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUING PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASED NEW IN DEC 2003. AS HAS BEEN REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES, MY CAR ACCELERATION HESITATES FROM A STOP OR FROM LOW SPEEDS. ALSO MY VEHICLE HAS EXTENSIVE PAUSE OR LAG BETWEEN GEARS. THIS HAS CREATED NUMEROUS DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHERE I WAS STUCK WHILE OTHER VEHICLES HAD TO TAKE ACTION …
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THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUING PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASED NEW IN DEC 2003. AS HAS BEEN REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES, MY CAR ACCELERATION HESITATES FROM A STOP OR FROM LOW SPEEDS. ALSO MY VEHICLE HAS EXTENSIVE PAUSE OR LAG BETWEEN GEARS. THIS HAS CREATED NUMEROUS DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHERE I WAS STUCK WHILE OTHER VEHICLES HAD TO TAKE ACTION TO AVOID HITTING MY RX330. OFTEN, WHILE MAKING LEFT TURNS AGAINST ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THIS LAG IS SO LONG AS TO BE DANGEROUS. IN THE PAST, I HAVE ACCELERATED HARDER THAN I FEEL NECESSARY IN ORDER TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS LAG. THIS RESULTS IN A SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT AND FORWARD LURCH THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO MY DEALER ON 3 OR MORE OCCASIONS AND THEIR RESPONSE IS THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR MY MODEL. THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER DID DOCUMENT THIS COMPLAINT ON MY SERVICE RECORD THE LAST TIME I VISITED ON 8/13/04.*AK
JUST LEFT MY LEXUS DEALER FOR MY 20,000 SERVICE. FINALLY THE SERVICE MGR ACKNOWLEDGED MY TRANSMISSION WOES. SEE MY PREVIOUS POST. HE SAID LEXUS IS AWARE OF THE CONCERN "NATION WIDE". THEY CHANGED? THE TRANNY FOR 2005!!! THEY ARE ALSO POSTPONING THE HYBRID FOR 6 MONTHS DUE TO THE CONCERNS OF THE 2004 RX TRANSMISSION THOUGH WE KN…
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JUST LEFT MY LEXUS DEALER FOR MY 20,000 SERVICE. FINALLY THE SERVICE MGR ACKNOWLEDGED MY TRANSMISSION WOES. SEE MY PREVIOUS POST. HE SAID LEXUS IS AWARE OF THE CONCERN "NATION WIDE". THEY CHANGED? THE TRANNY FOR 2005!!! THEY ARE ALSO POSTPONING THE HYBRID FOR 6 MONTHS DUE TO THE CONCERNS OF THE 2004 RX TRANSMISSION THOUGH WE KNOW THAT'S A TOTALLY DIFFERENT APPLICATION. THE KICKER IS THOUGH IT'S STILL AN OPEN CASE, LEXUS AT THIS TIME DOES NOT HAVE A FIX. SO 20,000 MILES LATER I HAVE A 40,0000 SUV THAT HAS A TRANSMISSION OF A YUGO. NO OFFENSE TO THE YUGO. I WAS TOLD HOW FRUSTRATED THEY ARE WITH THIS. I BELIEVE MY FRUSTRATION IS GREATER, SEEING HOW I MAKE THE PAYMENTS AND DRIVE THIS CAR DAILY. ALSO NOT MUCH THEY CAN DO RIGHT NOW UNTIL LEXUS MAKES A MOVE. AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH. NOT HAPPY IN THE TWIN CITIES.*AK
MY LEXUS RX 330 HAS HAD REPEATED TRANSMISSION AND THROTTLE PROBLEMS. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HESITATES, HUNTS, SHIFTS INCONSISTENTLY, HANGS IN BETWEEN GEARS, DELAYS, ETC. THE THROTTLE DELAYS AT THE FIRST APPLICATION OF GAS AND THE RATE OF ACCELLERATION SURGES UP AND DOWN UNEVENLY. THE RESULT IS THAT THE CAR OFTEN CANNOT AV…
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MY LEXUS RX 330 HAS HAD REPEATED TRANSMISSION AND THROTTLE PROBLEMS. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HESITATES, HUNTS, SHIFTS INCONSISTENTLY, HANGS IN BETWEEN GEARS, DELAYS, ETC. THE THROTTLE DELAYS AT THE FIRST APPLICATION OF GAS AND THE RATE OF ACCELLERATION SURGES UP AND DOWN UNEVENLY. THE RESULT IS THAT THE CAR OFTEN CANNOT AVOID HAZARD SITUATIONS. IF ONE IS TRYING TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC THE DELAYS CREATE HAZARDS. IF ONE ANTICIPATES AND APPLIES THE THROTTLE EARLY TO COMPENSATE, ONE SOMETIMES LURCHES INTO TRAFFIC. WHEN YOU ATTEMPT A LANE CHANGE THE SAME PROBLEMS CAUSE THE SAME TROUBLES: DELAYS AND A HAZARD. THE DELAY ALSO HAS CAUSED ME TO BE ALMOST REAR ENDED AT STOP LIGHTS. I HAVE REPEATEDLY REPORTED THIS PROBLEM OR PACKAGE OF PROBLEMS TO MY LOCAL SERVICING DEALER AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT LEXUS KNOWS OF THE WIDESPREAD NATURE OF THE COMPLAINTS BUT THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT LEXUS WILL DO FOR IT (OTHER THAN ONE REFLASH THAT DID NOT WORK FOR THE ISSUES). AMAZINGLY, WHEN I RAISED THESE ISSUES IN WRITING, THE WRITTEN RESPONSE ON MY SERVICE RECORDS SHOWED "NO PROBLEMS". WHEN I PUSHED THE SERVICE PERSONNEL ON THIS, THEY ADMITTED THAT ALL OF MY COMPLAINTS WERE FOUND BUT THAT LEXUS CLAIMS THESE PROBLEMS ARE "NORMAL" TO THE DESIGN, THEREFORE, THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD BY LEXUS TO SIMPLY RESPOND THAT "THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION IS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. A BAD DESIGN IS JUST THAT. LOCAL SERVICE PEOPLE SIMPLY THROW THEIR COLLECTIVE HANDS UP AND SAY THE THEY KNOW ABOUT THE GRAVITY OF THE PROBLEM BUT THAT LEXUS WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO EXPECT NO SOLUTION AND TO JUST LIVE WITH IT. SIGNIFICANTLY, THIS IS THE LARGEST SELLING LEXUS MODEL. THEREFORE, THESE PROBLEMS AND THE HAZARDS THAT THEY CREATE AFFECT THOUSANDS OF MOTORISTS.*AK
THE CONSUMER SMELLED A ROTTEN EGG SMELL, THE PROBLEM WAS THAT WHEN DRIVING THE CAR, THE EXHAUST SMELL ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE EVEN WITH THE WINDOW UP. IT WAS WORSE WITH THEM DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER TO CHANGED GAS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB
Official recalls
511V539000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Nov 9, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
11V112000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
Feb 24, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
06V253000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
Jul 13, 2006
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND HYBRID VEHICLES, THE TWO RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FORWARD CENTER CONSOLE CAN BECOME LOOSE. IF BOTH CLIPS SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ROD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FLOOR CARPET COVER RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
06V023000 · Seat Belts:rear/other
Jan 27, 2006
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE ANCHOR BOLT FOR THE REAR, LEFT-HAND SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT STRENGTH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE THE REAR, LEFT-HAND SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLT WITH AN IMPROVED ONE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 800-255-3987.
04V558000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Nov 22, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN IMPROPERLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. A SILICON OXIDE BUILD-UP OCCURS ON THE CONTACTS INSIDE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH CAN MAKE IT INOPERABLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SWITCH IS INOPERABLE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE AND CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING DECEMBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2RQ10003 · Unintended And Uncontrolled Acceleration
Opened Feb 16, 2010 · Closed Mar 1, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.
Additional source detail variants (6)
Electrical System:software
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.
Electrical System:software
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.
Electrical System:software
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.
PE05009 · Vacuum Brake Booster Failure
Opened Feb 10, 2005 · Closed Jun 15, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
ON FEBRUARY 10, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST IN CERTAIN 2004 MODEL YEAR (MY) LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30, 2004.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA, INC.?S CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND WERE EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES SOURCED FROM AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD (AISIN) SUBSIDIARY ADVICS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (ADVICS-NA).TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 146 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND 6 CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST (RESULTING IN 1 MINOR INJURY) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USE A CONVENTIONAL BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS A RUBBER DIAPHRAGM TO SEPARATE THE FORE AND AFT PRESSURE CHAMBERS.THE OUTER EDGE OF THE RUBBER DIAPHRAGM IS HELD IN PLACE VIA A RETAINING GROOVE ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER BODY.IF THE BOOSTER LOSES VACUUM (E.G., OPERATOR DEPLETES THE VACUUM BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF), IT MAY CAUSE THE DIAPHRAGM TO DEFORM IN THE AREA OF THE RETAINING GROOVE TO THE POINT THAT INSUFFICIENT SEAL EXISTS BETWEEN DIAPHRAGM AND BOOSTER BODY, THUS CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.THE ADVICS-NA SUPPLIED DIAPHRAGM HAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES COMPARED TO THE DIAPHRAGM INSIDE BRAKE BOOSTERS SUPPLIED BY ADVICS JAPAN, CORP. (ADVICS-J) AND USED ON 2004MY LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR KYUSHU, INC.?S ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SOFTER RUBBER USED IN THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM ALLOWS GREATER DEFORMATION AND IS LESS RESILIENT WHEN COMPARED TO THE ADVICS-J DIAPHRAGM.LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST MOST OFTEN OCCURS AT VEHICLE START-UP AND APPEARS TO BE MORE PREVALENT IN COLDER TEMPERATURES.MOST OWNERS REPORT THAT BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION RETURNS TO NORMAL WITHIN A FEW SECONDS AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.TESTING CONDUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER INDICATES THAT THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM?S REDUCED ABILITY TO RETURN TO SHAPE IS EXACERBATED BY COLDER TEMPERATURES AND THAT LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AT START-UP MAY LAST FOR A MAXIMUM OF 95 SECONDS AT TEMPERATURES BELOW ?20 DEGREES CELSIUS.HOWEVER, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A BACK-UP SYSTEM THAT CAN SENSE A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND ENABLE THE ABS ACTUATOR FOR BRAKE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SUPPORT (I.E., BRAKE PEDAL FORCE ASSIST).THE MANUFACTURER WILL CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LEXUS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN #5LA) TO REPLACE THE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY ON ALL AFFECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (6)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
ON FEBRUARY 10, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST IN CERTAIN 2004 MODEL YEAR (MY) LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30, 2004.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA, INC.?S CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND WERE EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES SOURCED FROM AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD (AISIN) SUBSIDIARY ADVICS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (ADVICS-NA).TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 146 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND 6 CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST (RESULTING IN 1 MINOR INJURY) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USE A CONVENTIONAL BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS A RUBBER DIAPHRAGM TO SEPARATE THE FORE AND AFT PRESSURE CHAMBERS.THE OUTER EDGE OF THE RUBBER DIAPHRAGM IS HELD IN PLACE VIA A RETAINING GROOVE ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER BODY.IF THE BOOSTER LOSES VACUUM (E.G., OPERATOR DEPLETES THE VACUUM BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF), IT MAY CAUSE THE DIAPHRAGM TO DEFORM IN THE AREA OF THE RETAINING GROOVE TO THE POINT THAT INSUFFICIENT SEAL EXISTS BETWEEN DIAPHRAGM AND BOOSTER BODY, THUS CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.THE ADVICS-NA SUPPLIED DIAPHRAGM HAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES COMPARED TO THE DIAPHRAGM INSIDE BRAKE BOOSTERS SUPPLIED BY ADVICS JAPAN, CORP. (ADVICS-J) AND USED ON 2004MY LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR KYUSHU, INC.?S ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SOFTER RUBBER USED IN THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM ALLOWS GREATER DEFORMATION AND IS LESS RESILIENT WHEN COMPARED TO THE ADVICS-J DIAPHRAGM.LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST MOST OFTEN OCCURS AT VEHICLE START-UP AND APPEARS TO BE MORE PREVALENT IN COLDER TEMPERATURES.MOST OWNERS REPORT THAT BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION RETURNS TO NORMAL WITHIN A FEW SECONDS AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.TESTING CONDUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER INDICATES THAT THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM?S REDUCED ABILITY TO RETURN TO SHAPE IS EXACERBATED BY COLDER TEMPERATURES AND THAT LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AT START-UP MAY LAST FOR A MAXIMUM OF 95 SECONDS AT TEMPERATURES BELOW ?20 DEGREES CELSIUS.HOWEVER, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A BACK-UP SYSTEM THAT CAN SENSE A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND ENABLE THE ABS ACTUATOR FOR BRAKE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SUPPORT (I.E., BRAKE PEDAL FORCE ASSIST).THE MANUFACTURER WILL CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LEXUS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN #5LA) TO REPLACE THE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY ON ALL AFFECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
ON FEBRUARY 10, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST IN CERTAIN 2004 MODEL YEAR (MY) LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30, 2004.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA, INC.?S CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND WERE EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES SOURCED FROM AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD (AISIN) SUBSIDIARY ADVICS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (ADVICS-NA).TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 146 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND 6 CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST (RESULTING IN 1 MINOR INJURY) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USE A CONVENTIONAL BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS A RUBBER DIAPHRAGM TO SEPARATE THE FORE AND AFT PRESSURE CHAMBERS.THE OUTER EDGE OF THE RUBBER DIAPHRAGM IS HELD IN PLACE VIA A RETAINING GROOVE ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER BODY.IF THE BOOSTER LOSES VACUUM (E.G., OPERATOR DEPLETES THE VACUUM BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF), IT MAY CAUSE THE DIAPHRAGM TO DEFORM IN THE AREA OF THE RETAINING GROOVE TO THE POINT THAT INSUFFICIENT SEAL EXISTS BETWEEN DIAPHRAGM AND BOOSTER BODY, THUS CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.THE ADVICS-NA SUPPLIED DIAPHRAGM HAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES COMPARED TO THE DIAPHRAGM INSIDE BRAKE BOOSTERS SUPPLIED BY ADVICS JAPAN, CORP. (ADVICS-J) AND USED ON 2004MY LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR KYUSHU, INC.?S ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SOFTER RUBBER USED IN THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM ALLOWS GREATER DEFORMATION AND IS LESS RESILIENT WHEN COMPARED TO THE ADVICS-J DIAPHRAGM.LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST MOST OFTEN OCCURS AT VEHICLE START-UP AND APPEARS TO BE MORE PREVALENT IN COLDER TEMPERATURES.MOST OWNERS REPORT THAT BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION RETURNS TO NORMAL WITHIN A FEW SECONDS AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.TESTING CONDUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER INDICATES THAT THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM?S REDUCED ABILITY TO RETURN TO SHAPE IS EXACERBATED BY COLDER TEMPERATURES AND THAT LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AT START-UP MAY LAST FOR A MAXIMUM OF 95 SECONDS AT TEMPERATURES BELOW ?20 DEGREES CELSIUS.HOWEVER, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A BACK-UP SYSTEM THAT CAN SENSE A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND ENABLE THE ABS ACTUATOR FOR BRAKE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SUPPORT (I.E., BRAKE PEDAL FORCE ASSIST).THE MANUFACTURER WILL CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LEXUS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN #5LA) TO REPLACE THE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY ON ALL AFFECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
ON FEBRUARY 10, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST IN CERTAIN 2004 MODEL YEAR (MY) LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30, 2004.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA, INC.?S CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND WERE EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES SOURCED FROM AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD (AISIN) SUBSIDIARY ADVICS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (ADVICS-NA).TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 146 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND 6 CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST (RESULTING IN 1 MINOR INJURY) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USE A CONVENTIONAL BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS A RUBBER DIAPHRAGM TO SEPARATE THE FORE AND AFT PRESSURE CHAMBERS.THE OUTER EDGE OF THE RUBBER DIAPHRAGM IS HELD IN PLACE VIA A RETAINING GROOVE ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER BODY.IF THE BOOSTER LOSES VACUUM (E.G., OPERATOR DEPLETES THE VACUUM BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF), IT MAY CAUSE THE DIAPHRAGM TO DEFORM IN THE AREA OF THE RETAINING GROOVE TO THE POINT THAT INSUFFICIENT SEAL EXISTS BETWEEN DIAPHRAGM AND BOOSTER BODY, THUS CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.THE ADVICS-NA SUPPLIED DIAPHRAGM HAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES COMPARED TO THE DIAPHRAGM INSIDE BRAKE BOOSTERS SUPPLIED BY ADVICS JAPAN, CORP. (ADVICS-J) AND USED ON 2004MY LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR KYUSHU, INC.?S ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SOFTER RUBBER USED IN THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM ALLOWS GREATER DEFORMATION AND IS LESS RESILIENT WHEN COMPARED TO THE ADVICS-J DIAPHRAGM.LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST MOST OFTEN OCCURS AT VEHICLE START-UP AND APPEARS TO BE MORE PREVALENT IN COLDER TEMPERATURES.MOST OWNERS REPORT THAT BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION RETURNS TO NORMAL WITHIN A FEW SECONDS AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.TESTING CONDUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER INDICATES THAT THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM?S REDUCED ABILITY TO RETURN TO SHAPE IS EXACERBATED BY COLDER TEMPERATURES AND THAT LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AT START-UP MAY LAST FOR A MAXIMUM OF 95 SECONDS AT TEMPERATURES BELOW ?20 DEGREES CELSIUS.HOWEVER, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A BACK-UP SYSTEM THAT CAN SENSE A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND ENABLE THE ABS ACTUATOR FOR BRAKE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SUPPORT (I.E., BRAKE PEDAL FORCE ASSIST).THE MANUFACTURER WILL CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LEXUS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN #5LA) TO REPLACE THE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY ON ALL AFFECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
ON FEBRUARY 10, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST IN CERTAIN 2004 MODEL YEAR (MY) LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30, 2004.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA, INC.?S CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND WERE EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES SOURCED FROM AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD (AISIN) SUBSIDIARY ADVICS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (ADVICS-NA).TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 146 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND 6 CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST (RESULTING IN 1 MINOR INJURY) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USE A CONVENTIONAL BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS A RUBBER DIAPHRAGM TO SEPARATE THE FORE AND AFT PRESSURE CHAMBERS.THE OUTER EDGE OF THE RUBBER DIAPHRAGM IS HELD IN PLACE VIA A RETAINING GROOVE ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER BODY.IF THE BOOSTER LOSES VACUUM (E.G., OPERATOR DEPLETES THE VACUUM BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF), IT MAY CAUSE THE DIAPHRAGM TO DEFORM IN THE AREA OF THE RETAINING GROOVE TO THE POINT THAT INSUFFICIENT SEAL EXISTS BETWEEN DIAPHRAGM AND BOOSTER BODY, THUS CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.THE ADVICS-NA SUPPLIED DIAPHRAGM HAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES COMPARED TO THE DIAPHRAGM INSIDE BRAKE BOOSTERS SUPPLIED BY ADVICS JAPAN, CORP. (ADVICS-J) AND USED ON 2004MY LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR KYUSHU, INC.?S ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SOFTER RUBBER USED IN THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM ALLOWS GREATER DEFORMATION AND IS LESS RESILIENT WHEN COMPARED TO THE ADVICS-J DIAPHRAGM.LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST MOST OFTEN OCCURS AT VEHICLE START-UP AND APPEARS TO BE MORE PREVALENT IN COLDER TEMPERATURES.MOST OWNERS REPORT THAT BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION RETURNS TO NORMAL WITHIN A FEW SECONDS AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.TESTING CONDUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER INDICATES THAT THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM?S REDUCED ABILITY TO RETURN TO SHAPE IS EXACERBATED BY COLDER TEMPERATURES AND THAT LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AT START-UP MAY LAST FOR A MAXIMUM OF 95 SECONDS AT TEMPERATURES BELOW ?20 DEGREES CELSIUS.HOWEVER, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A BACK-UP SYSTEM THAT CAN SENSE A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND ENABLE THE ABS ACTUATOR FOR BRAKE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SUPPORT (I.E., BRAKE PEDAL FORCE ASSIST).THE MANUFACTURER WILL CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LEXUS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN #5LA) TO REPLACE THE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY ON ALL AFFECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
ON FEBRUARY 10, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST IN CERTAIN 2004 MODEL YEAR (MY) LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30, 2004.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA, INC.?S CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND WERE EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES SOURCED FROM AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD (AISIN) SUBSIDIARY ADVICS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (ADVICS-NA).TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 146 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND 6 CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST (RESULTING IN 1 MINOR INJURY) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USE A CONVENTIONAL BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS A RUBBER DIAPHRAGM TO SEPARATE THE FORE AND AFT PRESSURE CHAMBERS.THE OUTER EDGE OF THE RUBBER DIAPHRAGM IS HELD IN PLACE VIA A RETAINING GROOVE ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER BODY.IF THE BOOSTER LOSES VACUUM (E.G., OPERATOR DEPLETES THE VACUUM BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF), IT MAY CAUSE THE DIAPHRAGM TO DEFORM IN THE AREA OF THE RETAINING GROOVE TO THE POINT THAT INSUFFICIENT SEAL EXISTS BETWEEN DIAPHRAGM AND BOOSTER BODY, THUS CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.THE ADVICS-NA SUPPLIED DIAPHRAGM HAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES COMPARED TO THE DIAPHRAGM INSIDE BRAKE BOOSTERS SUPPLIED BY ADVICS JAPAN, CORP. (ADVICS-J) AND USED ON 2004MY LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR KYUSHU, INC.?S ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SOFTER RUBBER USED IN THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM ALLOWS GREATER DEFORMATION AND IS LESS RESILIENT WHEN COMPARED TO THE ADVICS-J DIAPHRAGM.LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST MOST OFTEN OCCURS AT VEHICLE START-UP AND APPEARS TO BE MORE PREVALENT IN COLDER TEMPERATURES.MOST OWNERS REPORT THAT BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION RETURNS TO NORMAL WITHIN A FEW SECONDS AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.TESTING CONDUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER INDICATES THAT THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM?S REDUCED ABILITY TO RETURN TO SHAPE IS EXACERBATED BY COLDER TEMPERATURES AND THAT LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AT START-UP MAY LAST FOR A MAXIMUM OF 95 SECONDS AT TEMPERATURES BELOW ?20 DEGREES CELSIUS.HOWEVER, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A BACK-UP SYSTEM THAT CAN SENSE A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND ENABLE THE ABS ACTUATOR FOR BRAKE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SUPPORT (I.E., BRAKE PEDAL FORCE ASSIST).THE MANUFACTURER WILL CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LEXUS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN #5LA) TO REPLACE THE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY ON ALL AFFECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ON FEBRUARY 10, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST IN CERTAIN 2004 MODEL YEAR (MY) LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30, 2004.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA, INC.?S CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND WERE EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES SOURCED FROM AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD (AISIN) SUBSIDIARY ADVICS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (ADVICS-NA).TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 146 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND 6 CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST (RESULTING IN 1 MINOR INJURY) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USE A CONVENTIONAL BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS A RUBBER DIAPHRAGM TO SEPARATE THE FORE AND AFT PRESSURE CHAMBERS.THE OUTER EDGE OF THE RUBBER DIAPHRAGM IS HELD IN PLACE VIA A RETAINING GROOVE ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER BODY.IF THE BOOSTER LOSES VACUUM (E.G., OPERATOR DEPLETES THE VACUUM BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF), IT MAY CAUSE THE DIAPHRAGM TO DEFORM IN THE AREA OF THE RETAINING GROOVE TO THE POINT THAT INSUFFICIENT SEAL EXISTS BETWEEN DIAPHRAGM AND BOOSTER BODY, THUS CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.THE ADVICS-NA SUPPLIED DIAPHRAGM HAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES COMPARED TO THE DIAPHRAGM INSIDE BRAKE BOOSTERS SUPPLIED BY ADVICS JAPAN, CORP. (ADVICS-J) AND USED ON 2004MY LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR KYUSHU, INC.?S ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SOFTER RUBBER USED IN THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM ALLOWS GREATER DEFORMATION AND IS LESS RESILIENT WHEN COMPARED TO THE ADVICS-J DIAPHRAGM.LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST MOST OFTEN OCCURS AT VEHICLE START-UP AND APPEARS TO BE MORE PREVALENT IN COLDER TEMPERATURES.MOST OWNERS REPORT THAT BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION RETURNS TO NORMAL WITHIN A FEW SECONDS AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.TESTING CONDUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER INDICATES THAT THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM?S REDUCED ABILITY TO RETURN TO SHAPE IS EXACERBATED BY COLDER TEMPERATURES AND THAT LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AT START-UP MAY LAST FOR A MAXIMUM OF 95 SECONDS AT TEMPERATURES BELOW ?20 DEGREES CELSIUS.HOWEVER, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A BACK-UP SYSTEM THAT CAN SENSE A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND ENABLE THE ABS ACTUATOR FOR BRAKE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SUPPORT (I.E., BRAKE PEDAL FORCE ASSIST).THE MANUFACTURER WILL CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LEXUS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN #5LA) TO REPLACE THE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY ON ALL AFFECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.