Many large recalls have been issued by vehicle manufacturers this year. Among these recalls have been several by Ford and Toyota. Ford recently recalled nearly 370,000 sedans due to corrosion that could occur in the steering shafts of the vehicles in areas of high corrosion. Similarly, Toyota has had its fair share of recalls this year. In June, the automaker recalled approximately 242,000 hybrid vehicles because of concerns with the vehicles’ brakes. This month, Toyota is recalling about 235,000 vehicles in two separate recalls due to issues with the inverters and variable valve timing control device, according to Edmunds.
The first recall involves 133,000 Toyota Highlander Hybrids and Lexus RX 400h vehicles. The Highlander models are from the 2006 to 2010 model years, and the Lexus RX 400h models are from the 2006 to 2008 model years. The vehicles are being recalled because “a problem with the hybrid system’s inverter assembly may cause the hybrid system to shut down and result in the vehicle stopping while being driven,” according to Edmunds.
The second recall issued by Toyota involves 102,000 Lexus IS 350, IS 350C and GS 350 vehicles from the 2006 to 2011 model years. According to USA Today, “[b]olts that hold the variable valve timing control device could come loose, causing the cars to stop.”
A Toyota spokeswoman told Edmunds that no injuries or incidents have been reported due to the recalls. Toyota expects the recalls to start in mid-September. Dealerships will “replace the intelligent power module within the inverter assembly in the Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h and the variable valve timing control device in the Lexus IS 350, IS 350C and GS 350,” Edmunds reports. Consumers can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 for more information about the recalls.