Lexus Lexus RX 400H Recall R/2013/104: Vehicle Could Suddenly Stop, Who Is Affected And What To Do

DVSA reference R/2013/104. Data updated daily from DVSA.

Low
How serious
16 Oct 2013
Launched
9,649
vehicles in the UK
R/2013/104
DVSA reference

Lexus recalled Lexus RX 400H vehicles built between 24 September 2004 and 2 December 2008. Due to variations in the build specification of the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) which includes the Insluted-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT's) the lead-based solder could be affected by abnormally higher operating temperatures. The recall notice describes the fix as: recall all the affected vehicles and replace the IPM unit with a upgraded unit. You won't usually pay for it.1

What’s Wrong

Due to variations in the build specification of the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) which includes the Insluted-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT's) the lead-based solder could be affected by abnormally higher operating temperatures. This could result in a degrading of the solder and eventually heat damage to the IGBT's. If this occurs then warning lights on the instrument panel will illuminate. However if the driver fails to heed these warnings or the main power supply fuse blows then the vehicle could stop without warning.

DVSA's Original Wording

Concern: VEHICLE COULD SUDDENLY STOP Defect: It is possible that due to variations in the build specification of the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) which includes the Insluted-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT's) the lead-based solder could be affected by abnormally higher operating temperatures. This could result in a degrading of the solder and eventually heat damage to the IGBT's. If this occurs then warning lights on the instrument panel will illuminate. However if the driver fails to heed these warnings or the main power supply fuse blows then the vehicle could stop without warning. Remedy: Recall all the affected vehicles and replace the IPM unit with a upgraded unit.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The Risk

If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in a degrading of the solder and eventually heat damage to the IGBT's.

The Fix

The recall notice describes the fix as: recall all the affected vehicles and replace the IPM unit with a upgraded unit.

Are You Affected?

Lexus RX 400H built between 24 September 2004 and 2 December 2008 may be included. Lexus estimates 9,649 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Lexus, because not every car in the date range may be included.

What To Do Now

  1. Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Lexus.
  2. Book with any franchised Lexus dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2013/104. See how to get a Lexus recall fixed.
  3. Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
LaunchedVehicle and faultSeverityReference
Lexus RX 400H, Lexus RX300Steering may be affectedUrgentR/2011/150
Lexus RX 400HVehicle may loose powerLowR/2011/076

This is one of 42 Lexus recalls in DVSA’s data. The Lexus recall launched before it was R/2013/015 on 26 Apr 2013, for front wiper may become inoperative. The one launched after it was R/2014/135 on 24 Nov 2014, for risk of fire. You can also see every Lexus recall and all recalls launched in 2013.


Source: DVSA recall R/2013/104, launched 16 October 2013. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.

Sources

  1. The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.