Thursday, February 17, 2005

The Lexus RX300 sport utility vehicle for 2004.

Feds investigate Lexus SUV brake complaints

Inquiry affects RX 330s; probe could lead to an embarrassing recall for Toyota luxury brand.

By Christine Tierney / The Detroit News

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Federal regulators are investigating customer complaints of possible brake failures in 2004 models of Toyota Motor Co.p.'s best-selling Lexus RX330 sport utility vehicles.

"We have 10 complaints of brake failures, apparently in the power assist," said Rae Tyson, a spokesman for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The agency opened the investigation Feb. 10.

"We don't have any crashes or injuries," Tyson said.

Drivers complained that they had to slam hard on the brakes to stop their vehicles.

Tyson said the complaints all related to 2004 model year Lexus RX 330s. Slightly more than 146,000 of the vehicles are on the road.

The investigation could lead to a recall that would be embarrassing for Toyota's premium Lexus division, renowned for its sterling vehicle quality and low recall rate.

Lexus is investigating the complaints, too.

The automaker has not notified customers, but sent its dealers a technical service bulletin in September advising them to look at the brake booster - which functions like a vacuum pump - and replace it if necessary.

"We've had a handful of complaints, mostly in northern areas where it's cold," said Lexus spokesman William Ussery.

"The brakes don't fail but they're harder to enact. We think the incident is related to a cold-weather booster."

NHTSA's Web site describes complaints alleging "loss of brake power-assist, resulting in increased pedal effort required to stop or slow the vehicle." Once the regulatory body concludes its investigation, it will send its findings to Toyota, which must then respond.

At that point, NHTSA can decide that the issue has been resolved or it may ask for more analysis during a 90-day period, under the federal procedures. After that, NHTSA may ask the automaker to issue a voluntary recall.

You can reach Christine Tierney at (313) 222-1463 or ctierney@detnews.com.