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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

58 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

2004 LEXUS RX330 HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE VACUUM SYSTEM FOR THE BRAKE EQUIPMENT.*MR THE BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED CAUSING THE BRAKES TO FAIL WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. THE BRAKES WOULD LSO LOCK UP AND THE PEDAL WOULD TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10117310

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY PHILLIP'S WIFE LORIE H…

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WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY PHILLIP'S WIFE LORIE HOLVERSON.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10115271

12,000 miles · Mar 7, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

LEXUS RX330 2004 BRAKE FAILURE. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, IT MOVED QUITE FAST, WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE TO SLOW IT DOWN NOTHING HAPPENED UNTIL THE CONSUMER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE VERY HARD AND IT SLOWLY CAME TO A STOP. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING ABNORMAL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10113734

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE BRAKES DID NOT OPERATE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10113505

5,100 miles · Mar 1, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I HAD DRIVEN MY CAR TO THE BANK AND WHEN I CAME OUT TO START MY CAR THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY STIFF. I SAW A RED BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH AND FIRST THOUGHT I HAD SOMEHOW PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE AND THAT I HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS STILL IN THE PARKING LOT SO NO INJURIES OCCURRED. AFTER TRYING …

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I HAD DRIVEN MY CAR TO THE BANK AND WHEN I CAME OUT TO START MY CAR THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY STIFF. I SAW A RED BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH AND FIRST THOUGHT I HAD SOMEHOW PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE AND THAT I HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS STILL IN THE PARKING LOT SO NO INJURIES OCCURRED. AFTER TRYING NUMEROUS TIMES TO MOVE MY CAR, THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. THIS WAS ONLY ABOUT A MILE. ONCE I WAS HOME, THE VEHICLE AGAIN FROZE UP AND I HAD NO BRAKES AND COULD NOT EVEN PUSH DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OF A PROBLEM, NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF A LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND HAD TO GET TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON A FLATBED TRUCK. THIS WAS A NEW 2004 LEXUS RX330 WITH ONLY 5,000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP PUT A SIGN ON MY CAR...DO NOT DRIVE - NO BRAKES. THE NEXT DAY I WAS TOLD THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD AN INTERNAL LEAK. BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER (I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE IN THE COUNTRY AND IT WOULD TAKE 3 WEEKS TO SHIP A PART) I WAS NOT GIVEN MY OLD PART AND THE ONLY EXPLANATION WAS THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD AN INTERNAL LEAK. I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF THIS NEW PART HAS A DEFECT TOO, AND IF IN ANOTHER 5,000 MILES THIS MASTER CYLINDER WILL FAIL. THE FACT THAT NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY LEADS ME TO QUESTION WHETHER THERE WERE A NUMBER OF OTHER 2004 LEXUS RX330'S THAT HAD SIMILAR MASTER CYLINDER MALFUNCTIONS. IF YOU HAVE HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEMS ON LEXUS RX330'S I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10112346

5,400 miles · Feb 28, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I TOOK MY RX330 IN FOR ITS 5000 MI CHECKUP AND THE RECALL REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT RECALL. AFTER 2 HOURS I WAS TOLD THAT IN AN EFFORT TO GAS UP MY VEHICLE, MY BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED AT THE GAS STATION AND WAS BEING TRANSPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO DANGEROURS TO DRIVE AND THAT I WOULD BE PROVI…

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I TOOK MY RX330 IN FOR ITS 5000 MI CHECKUP AND THE RECALL REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT RECALL. AFTER 2 HOURS I WAS TOLD THAT IN AN EFFORT TO GAS UP MY VEHICLE, MY BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED AT THE GAS STATION AND WAS BEING TRANSPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO DANGEROURS TO DRIVE AND THAT I WOULD BE PROVIDED A LOANER. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE UP TO THREE WEEKS BEFORE MY VEHICLE WOULD BE READY. FORTUNATELY, IT TOOK ONLY FOUR DAYS TO BE REPAIRED. NOW I AM DRIVING MY VEHICLE WITH REAL APPREHENSION. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BASED UPON CONSUMER REPORTS SAFETY AND I HOPE I DO NOT LIVE TO REGRET IT.

NHTSA ODI #10112307

5,760 miles · Feb 26, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

CAR IS A 2004 LEXUS RX330. BRAKES FAILED - PEDAL BECAME HARD AS A ROCK AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT WARNING. ALMOST DROVE THROUGH MY DRIVEWAY FENCE. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE BOOSTER UNDER WARRANTY. IT TOOK A WEEK TO GET THE BOOSTER. SO FAR THE BRAKES SEEM TO BE OK. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10112195

10,169 miles · Feb 22, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WITHOUT ANY PRIOR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM, ON JAN.22.05 THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 LEXUS RX 330 STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY. WOULD ONLY WORK WITH EXTREME FOOT PRESSURE AND THEN VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED IN COLD WEATHER AFTER THE CAR WAS JUST WASHED AT A COMMERCIAL CAR WASH. MILEAGE ON CAR ABOUT 10,500. AFTER DRIVING…

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WITHOUT ANY PRIOR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM, ON JAN.22.05 THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 LEXUS RX 330 STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY. WOULD ONLY WORK WITH EXTREME FOOT PRESSURE AND THEN VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED IN COLD WEATHER AFTER THE CAR WAS JUST WASHED AT A COMMERCIAL CAR WASH. MILEAGE ON CAR ABOUT 10,500. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN A MILE, I CALLED LEXUS ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WHO ARRANGED FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED FOR SERVICE IN WESTPORT CT. I WAS TOLD THE "BRAKE BOOSTER" HAD FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED IT WITHIN A FEW DAYS AND UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEALER ALSO INDICATED THERE WERE OTHER VEHICLES WHO HAD EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS. HIS WAS THE EXACT PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE FEB.16.05 EDITION OF THE NEW YORK TIMES FOR VEHICLES OF THIS MODEL PRODUCED IN CANADA.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10111983

7,400 miles · Feb 22, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

LOCKED BRAKE PEDAL;1. ON TURNING ON THE IGNITION, THE BRAKE PEDDAL LOCKED. WHEN THIS PROBLEM APPEARED THE FIRST TIME, I WASN'T SURE WHAT HAPPENDED AS THE BRAKE PEDAL UNLOCKED AFTER TURINING ON AND OFF THE IGNITION AGAIN.*AK 2. DURING THE 5000 MI SERVICE I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT HAD NOT TURNED OFF (…

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LOCKED BRAKE PEDAL;1. ON TURNING ON THE IGNITION, THE BRAKE PEDDAL LOCKED. WHEN THIS PROBLEM APPEARED THE FIRST TIME, I WASN'T SURE WHAT HAPPENDED AS THE BRAKE PEDAL UNLOCKED AFTER TURINING ON AND OFF THE IGNITION AGAIN.*AK 2. DURING THE 5000 MI SERVICE I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT HAD NOT TURNED OFF (LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD) ONCE AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK. THEY ASSUMED THIS TO BE RELATED TO THE RECALL MY VEHICLE HAD FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS (TAIL LIGHTS) AND FIXED THE VEHICLE FOR THE RECALL ISSUE. 3. ONCE AGAIN THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED ON JAN 28TH WHEN I TURNED ON THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLOPE IN SNOW. WHILE I USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE THE PEDAL DID NOT UNLOCK. AFTER REPEATEDLY TURNING ON AND OFF THE IGNITION I WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE PEDAL (ABOUT 5 MINS) AND I THEN CALLED UP THE DEALERSHIP. 4. THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE CAR FOR LOCKING BY INSTALLING A "BRAKE BOOSTER" 5. WHAT BOTHERS ME MOST IS THE LACK OF PROACTIVE RESPONSE FROM LEXUS ON THIS DANGEROUS FAILURE. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE BRAKES LOCKED WHEN I WAS TURNING ON THE IGNITION, HAD THE SAME HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THIS COULD HAVE COST ME AND MY WIFE OUR LIVES. AS THE DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE (FROM OTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS) THEY SHOULD HAVE PROACTIVELY CHECKED THE CAR WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR THE 5000 MI SERVICE. MY PEDAL LOCKED AFTER TWO DAYS OF THE SERVICE!

NHTSA ODI #10111925

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

POWER BRAKES ON 2004 LEXUS RX330 FAILED IN COLD WEATHER. ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENT WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE. WARMING UP THE VEHICLE FOR 15 MIN TEMPORARILY SOLVED THE PROBLEM. IT FAILED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. DEALER TOWED THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. WORKS FINE SINCE. I HAVE HEARD COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MODEL AND WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER …

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POWER BRAKES ON 2004 LEXUS RX330 FAILED IN COLD WEATHER. ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENT WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE. WARMING UP THE VEHICLE FOR 15 MIN TEMPORARILY SOLVED THE PROBLEM. IT FAILED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. DEALER TOWED THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. WORKS FINE SINCE. I HAVE HEARD COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MODEL AND WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER MY OWN

NHTSA ODI #10111898

Official recalls

5

11V539000 · 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

2

RQ10003 · 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.