2007 Lexus RX Hybrid

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

In a June 29, 2011 letter to NHTSA, Toyota submitted a Defect Information Report regarding a safety recall of certain Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h vehicles to address a defect condition with the hybrid inverter assembly (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-342).Toyota's letter identified a defect related to inadequately soldered transistors on the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) of some of the subject vehicles that could result in sudden loss of power while driving.Toyota's remedy procedure instructs dealers to inspect the hybrid inverter production number to determine if the inverter contains suspect transistors.If so, the dealer will replace the IPM.The recall covers approximately 45,528 model year (MY) 2006 and 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles manufactured from February 16, 2005 through August 29, 2006 and approximately 36,745 MY 2006 and 2007 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured from February 23, 2005 through August 30, 2006.This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 LEXUS RX400H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. ADDITIONALLY, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED AND THE SPEED WAS REDUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER SOUTH BAY LEXUS LOCATED AT 24777 CRENSHAW BLVD, TORRANCE, CA 90505, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS ACTUATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11352810

Incident

Mar 1, 2020

Mileage

150,000 mi

DRIVING VEHICLE ON LOCAL ROAD ~30 MPH AND SUDDEN/COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE. P/S LIGHT THEN ILLUMINATED AND EFFORT REQUIRED TO STEER VEHICLE IS BEYOND MOST PEOPLE'S STRENGTH.

NHTSA ID

11235029

Incident

Jul 25, 2019

Mileage

155,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING FROM FLORIDA TO FAIRFAX, CA THE VEHICLE STALLED ~10 TIME UNEXPECTEDLY WITH LOSS OF POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING, MAKING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM AND CHECK VSC SYSTEM" SHOWED ON THE DASH. CLEARING THE CODES RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. I STOPPED IN DENVER, CO AT KUNI LEXUS OF GREENWOOD VILLAGE, WHOM ROAD TESTED THE VEHICLE FOR 30 MILES BUT WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAULT. OBDII DTC P3105 WAS READ ON MY SCANNER BEFORE ARRIVAL. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE FAILURE MORE AND FOUND OUT ON LEXUS TIS SYSTEM; ON 01/15/2014, LEXUS OF MIAMI CLAIMED TO HAVE COMPLETED SAFETY RECALL 13V396000 (INTELLIGENT POWER MODULE (IPM) SOLDER FAILURES) BUT THEY ONLY DIAGNOSED SOME OTHER PROBLEMS AND DID NOT HAVE TIME TO PERFORM THIS RECALL, NEITHER DID THE INFORM ME OF IT! I STOPPED AT LEXUS OF TACOMA AT FIFE, WA AND THEY DENIED DIAGNOSIS DUE TO MINOR BODY DAMAGE ON THE REAR QUARTER PANEL WHERE THEY CLAIM WATER CAME IN. THIS IS NOT THE LOCATION OF WATER INTRUSION! THE LOCATION IS DUE TO BODY SEAM CRACKS ABOVE THAT PLAIN OF THE QUARTER PANEL DAMAGE, NEAR THE REAR GATE STRUTS AND HINGES (SEE L-SB-0019-09), BUT THEY WOULDN'T LOOK AT THAT EITHER AND TOLD ME TO GO TO THEIR SUBLET BODY SHOP WHERE THE MANAGER AGREED WITH ME THAT THE WATER LEAKS INTO THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY PACK/CONTROLLER AREA WAS FROM THE L-SB-0019-09 AND NOT THE QUARTER PANEL AREA. I SEALED UP ALL POSSIBLE WATER INTRUSION AREAS AND DISASSEMBLED THE HV BATTERY PACK AREA TO SEE HOW MUCH AND WHERE THE WATER WAS (MANY PHOTOS) AND DRY IT OUT WITH SEVERAL DAYS OF SUNSHINE HERE IN FAIRFAX, CA. I INFORMED LEXUS CORP ABOUT THE RELATIVE RECALL/SB AND THEY DENIED TO COMPLETE IT! THE VEHICLE IS BACK TOGETHER AND I AM WAITING ON YOUR RESPONSE. I CAN BE REACHED BY EMAIL (I DON'T CARRY A CELL PHONE) THANK YOU!

NHTSA ID

11182038

Incident

Jan 28, 2019

Mileage

202,144 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 LEXUS RX400H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ABOUT 7 SECONDS THE BRAKES FUNCTIONED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ATLANTIC LEXUS OF 110 (2090 BROADHOLLOW RD, FARMINGDALE, NY 11735 (516)-795-7600) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED AND DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE WARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTIES HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11144641

Incident

Oct 18, 2018

Mileage

200,000 mi

ABS BRAKE LIGHT, TRACCIN LIGHT, NO POWER BRAKE, MY CARO HAS 90,996 MILES

NHTSA ID

11130926

Incident

Aug 29, 2018

Mileage

50 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON SPEED OF 65 MILES PER HOUR SUDDENLY MY POWER STRING AND BRAKES FAILED. LUCKILY I DIDN'T GET AN ACCIDENT. AFTER I CAME HOME AND START RESEARCHING I SAW THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.PLEASE MAKE A RECALL FOR THAT MAYBE SOMETHING HAPPENS TO SOMEONE.THANKS

NHTSA ID

11119726

Incident

Aug 13, 2018

Mileage

199,000 mi

DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, FLASHES, OR IS OFF INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A MECHANIC AND BEEN TOLD THAT THE CONNECTOR WAS LOOSE AND THEY ZIP-TIED THE WIRING IN PLACE. THEY SAID IF THAT DOESN'T WORK THAT NEW SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR THE AIRBAG WILL NEED TO BE INSTALLED. THAT WOULD BE OVER $2,000, WHICH SEEMS LIKE A PRETTY EGREGIOUS AMOUNT TO FIX A LOOSE WIRE FOR A CRITICAL SAFETY ITEM.

NHTSA ID

11066995

Incident

Jan 8, 2018

Mileage

105,000 mi

THE REAR BUMPER HAS A PLASTIC COVER AND THE PAINT BUBBLED AND BEGAN TO PEEL FROM UNDER THIS PLASTIC MOLDING AS IF WATER WAS BEHIND IT. THE REAR BUMPER NOW HAS PEELING PAINT.

NHTSA ID

11058386

Incident

Jun 1, 2017

Mileage

104,000 mi

Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.