10-25-2010, 03:42 AM
In a massive recall Toyota has announced that 740,000 vehicles here in the United States must be taken in for service due to brake issues. Apparently there have been some problems with certain cars and SUVs leaking brake fluid, thus causing your braking to fade over time, which is obviously not a good thing. According to the New York Times, the models included in the recall are as follows: 2005–6 Avalon, 2004–6 Highlander (non-hybrid), Lexus RX 330, 2006 Lexus GS 300, 2006 IS 250 and 2006 IS 350. Toyota is saying that the problem is stemming from improper brake fluid that may have been used when vehicles were brought in for maintenance, and that if it doesn’t contain the same polymers as “Toyota genuine brake fluid,” it could cause a brake seal to dry out. Personally I’ve never heard of such a thing, but when it comes to brakes it’s better to cover your ass. My recommendation is that if you own one of the above vehicles that you take it in for service immediately.