Toyota has announced today a new recall for certain Toyota Avalon and Highlander units together with a number of Lexus GS300, IS250, IS350 and RX330. The new recall announced by Toyota regards a brake master cylinder seal that needs to be replaced. Why can't Toyota do recalls for something insignificant? It's always the brakes or the acceleration pedal. The new recall involves around 740,000 units. These units are 2005 through 2006 Toyota Avalon, 2004 through 2006 Toyota Highlander (Non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350.
These Toyota and Lexus model, sold in the United States, may lose brake fluid from the brake master cylinder. However, the company says that you should be warned about this through the
illumination of the brake warning lamp.
All the Toyota and Lexus vehicles included in this recall will have their brake master cylinder cup replaced at no charge.
Toyota Press Release:
Toyota Announces Intent to Voluntarily Recall Certain Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, IS350, and RX330 Vehicles to Replace a Brake Master Cylinder Seal
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 740,000 – 2005 through 2006 Avalon, 2004 through 2006 Highlander (Non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 vehicles sold in the United States to address the possibility that a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in
illumination of the brake warning lamp.
This action follows an announcement made by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan on October 21, 2010.
The Toyota genuine brake fluid used during vehicle assembly for vehicles sold in the United States contains polymers. The polymers act as lubricants for certain brake system components.
If during vehicle maintenance, brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers or only small amounts, a part of the internal rubber seal (brake master cylinder cup) located at the end of the brake master cylinder piston may become dry and may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.
If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline.
Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail beginning in early November 2010. Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed one at no charge to the vehicle owners.
Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.
