Toyota has submitted a defect information report to the NHTSA regarding a problem with the brake actuator assembly in certain Toyota and Lexus SUV’s and trucks. They will be notifying owners to take their vehicles to a Toyota and Lexus dealer to have the problem repaired. Approximately 261,114 automobiles could be affected by this defect.
In the subject vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. Due to a manufacturing variation, a reduction in contact between the electrical terminals of the brake actuator motor and the circuit board of the skid control Electronic Control Unit (ECU) could result in an oxide buildup. The buildup could cause the illumination of various warning lights, including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), and the Traction Control System (TCS). If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing directional control assistance and increasing the risk of an accident. The vehicles affected by this problem include:
Toyota will be conducting a safety recall on the subject vehicles to update the software for the skid control ECU with additional logic to remove the oxide film in the hybrid terminal by applying voltage when the resistance in the terminal becomes high. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. The NHTSA Campaign Number is 14V-054.
