The recall below relates to the hybrid inverter on Lexus RX 400H models. I think people should know that total drive loss (the car will freewheel either in drive or reverse gear) is a possibility if the hybrid inverter suffers failure.
http://www.lexus.co.uk/about/rx400h-recall.aspx
29 June 2011
Lexus has announced a recall of its RX 400h luxury crossover model to check a potential issue with the soldering of an electric component. The action affects 3,997 vehicles in the UK manufactured between 2004 and 2006; it does not involve the current RX 450h model.
Lexus is working with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to contact registered RX 400h owners and keepers to inform of the procedure for taking their vehicle to an authorised Lexus Centre for the necessary repair work to be undertaken. It is also giving advice on how to reduce the risk of a problem occurring.
Should a repair be required, the job should take no longer than four hours to complete, and it will be done free of charge.
Should the vehicle suffer a malfunction due to the soldering issue, the driver will be alerted by warning lights and messages on the dashboard. The RX 400h will automatically go into its fail-safe driving mode, which allows it to be driven safely but at reduced power and speed.
There have no reports of any accidents in connection with this issue, anywhere in the world.
The recall is to repair the hybrid inverter. Mine failed last week and it caused the vehicle to cut out completely, ie not enter a "fail-safe driving mode". Luckily it happened on my drive, but it would have been very dangerous if it happened on the road. Afterwards, you'll get "Check hybrid system" and "Check VSC system" messages come up on the dashboard. Google NHTSA Lexus defects to see reports where it did happen on the road. Unfortunately, I can't link to the reports.
This happened three days after the first "spirited" drive I've done in the car. I'd always been feather-light on the throttle until then, but I'd noticed the car wasn't using the battery as much as it used to, so I wondered if giving it a good run might help. I don't which of these are cause/effect etc.
My driveway is about 30 degree incline, and as I reversed up it all power was lost and the car rolled forward. I was able to stop it on the brakes before it crashed into the garage. After this the car would power up, but neither the engine or drive batteries would start.
Lexus, to their credit, were good after a quite a bit of poking. The local dealer picked up the car on Monday and delivered it Friday. I did 250 miles over the weekend with no further issues.
This is the US NHTSA is aware:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/relatedDefectsSummary.cfm?RCL_ID=11V342000&defectIdlist=PE11005&ModuleType=Vehicles&type=VEHICLE
