Toyota Recalls Hybrid SUVs

Hybrid SUV

The recall involves about 45,000 Toyota Highlander hybrids and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h hybrids from the 2006 and 2007 model years. Toyota Motor Corp. said today it will recall about 82,200 hybrid sport-utility vehicles to correct an electronic problem that could cause the vehicles to lose power or stop running completely.

At the root of the problem is what Toyota calls the Intelligent Power Module, which is part of the vehicles’ hybrid gasoline-electric power systems. The module has a control board with transistors. In most cases the vehicles will enter fail-safe driving mode, a condition of reduced power under which the cars can still be driven short distances. Owners may contact the car maker at www.toyota.com/recall or 800-331-4331 for the Toyota brand, or www.lexus.com/recall, or 800-255-3987 for Lexus.

If the fuse blows, the hybrid system will stop and the vehicle will coast to a stop. The owners of the effected vehicles will be notified of the recall by first class mail in mid-July, 2011

The car giant said the recall will involve Highlander and Lexus-brand hybrid SUVs from its 2006 and 2007 lines. Wednesdays recall involves about 45,500 Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus Rx 400h vehicles, the companys U.S. subsidiary said in a news release.

Toyota said the affected vehicles hybrid system has a computer board with inadequate soldering that could be damaged during high-load driving. Saab Automobile, which halted production and stopped paying wages because of a cash shortage, paid its workers the overdue salaries Wednesday and is targeting an assembly restart in two weeks. Swedish Automobile, Saabs Dutch owner, jumped as much as 58% in Amsterdam trading.

Westport Innovations, which develops natural gas engines for heavy-duty vehicles, said Tuesday that it has agreed on a deal with automaker General Motors to help develop natural gas engine technology.

The companies said they will work together to develop natural gas engine controls, emissions and performance strategies. The Canadian company employs 15 people in Farmington Hills and plans to add more people and facilities as demand grows for natural gas-powered, alternative-fuel vehicles.

"The city is excited about that prospect," said Dave Hicks, Moraine city manager. Renault and its alliance partner Nissan aim to reach an agreement next month to assume control of AvtoVAZ, Russias biggest carmaker, two people familiar with the matter said. The Togliatti-based manufacturer dominates the Russian car market with its Lada brand.

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GM recalls select 2011 model year pickup and SUV models over axle fears

General Motors is recalling a handful light-duty GMT900 pickups from the 2011 model year due to faulty rear axle cross pins. Both the Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado 1500 are effected, as are the Cadillac Escalade EXT and GMC Sierra 1500 – a total of 1,262 vehicles in all.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites that these rear axle cross pins were not manufactured up to proper specification and that the pin could “fracture and become displaced within the rear axle.” NHTSA further details the consequences of a displaced pin, saying:

“The driver may hear a banging noise coming from the axle. If the pin shifts out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without prior warning.”

GM will begin notifying owners about this problem in January, and dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin without any cost to the customer. NHTSA’s official statement is available after the jump

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