Toyota to Recall 740,000 Vehicles

TORRANCE, CA - Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. announced plans to recall approximately 740,000 vehicles to address a potential brake system problem.

The voluntary recall affects the MY 2005-2006 Avalon; MY 2004-2006 Highlander (non-hybrid) and Lexus RX330; and MY 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250 and IS350 vehicles sold in the United States. 

This action follows an announcement made by Toyota Motor Corp. in Japan. 

The Toyota 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. A problem can occur 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 then 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, Toyota said. 

Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first-class mail beginning early next month. Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed one at no charge to the vehicle owners. 

For more details, visit www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall. Owners can also contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331 or Lexus at (800) 255-3987.