Faulty Auto Braking Spurs Avalon, Lexus Recall

Toyota Motor Sales USA is recalling approximately 31,000 2013-2015 model-year Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Lexus ES350 and ES300h sedans because of the potential for unexpected braking.

In these vehicles, the pre-collision system (PCS) might perceive a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object. As a result, the PCS warning buzzer may sound and the system may apply the service brake automatically, Toyota said. Such unexpected braking could increase the risk of a crash.

As an interim remedy, the PCS function will be disabled in these vehicles. Dealers will replace the PCS components with improved ones as a permanent remedy, Toyota said.