Recall 13V396 covers 133,081 2006-2010 Lexus Rx Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid vehicles for IPM inverter overheating. Free repair at any franchised Lexus dealer once available.
Lexus is recalling 133,081 2006-2010 Rx Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid vehicles because the Intelligent Power Module inside the inverter can overheat and trigger warning lights. The hybrid system can shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing an unexpected stall and increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The inverter on affected 2006-2010 Rx Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid vehicles is part of the hybrid propulsion system. It manages high-voltage power between the hybrid battery and the electric drive system. Inside that inverter is the Intelligent Power Module, or IPM, which uses transistors to switch and control that electrical power.
The defect is inside the IPM. The transistors run at operating temperatures higher than the solder around them is designed to support. When the solder cannot handle that heat, the transistors are damaged. That damage interferes with the inverter's ability to manage hybrid-system power correctly.
There is no warning sign before failure. Once the problem occurs, the instrument panel shows warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light.
Who's affected?
Spans Rx Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid models across the 2006-2010 model years, all involving the hybrid propulsion inverter.
| 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid | Inverter |
|---|---|
| 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Inverter |
| 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Inverter |
| 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Inverter |
| 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Inverter |
| 2007 Lexus Rx Hybrid | Inverter |
| 2006 Lexus Rx Hybrid | Inverter |
| 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Inverter |
| Units affected | 133,081 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
The vehicle can enter fail-safe or limp-home mode, limiting drivability. The hybrid system can also shut down while the vehicle is moving, which can stall the vehicle unexpectedly and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Lexus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2010 Lexus Rx Hybrid or Highlander Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Lexus owner notice, then contact a franchised Lexus dealer if your VIN shows recall 13V396 is open.
- Ask the dealer about the free Intelligent Power Module replacement that fixes the inverter transistor heat damage linked to warning lights and stalling risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Lexus mailed one, and reference recall number 13V396 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Pull over safely if warning lights appear or the vehicle enters limp-home mode.
What happens at the repair
Lexus has identified the dealer fix as replacement of the Intelligent Power Module inside the inverter module. Once the repair is available, a Lexus technician will replace the IPM at no charge under the recall. If your vehicle already had the IPM replaced under recall 11V-342, this campaign does not apply. Ask the service desk to confirm the campaign number and VIN before work begins, because the VIN decides whether this repair applies.
Timeline
| September 4, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 4, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V396?
Recall 13V396 covers 133,081 2006-2010 Lexus Rx Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid vehicles with an Intelligent Power Module defect inside the inverter. Heat damage in the module can trigger warning lights, limit drivability, or shut down the hybrid system while driving. Lexus dealers will replace the IPM for free.
What should I do if my 2006-2010 Lexus Rx Hybrid or Highlander Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V396. If it is, contact a franchised Lexus dealer and ask for the free Intelligent Power Module replacement. Reference recall number 13V396 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Lexus dealers will replace the Intelligent Power Module free of charge for vehicles included in recall 13V396.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected stall while driving. The inverter's Intelligent Power Module can overheat, which can put the vehicle into fail-safe mode, limit drivability, or shut down the hybrid system. An unexpected stall increases crash risk.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for warning lamps on the instrument panel. The recall filing names the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light. If those lights appear, contact a franchised Lexus dealer and ask about recall 13V396.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V396000 |
|---|---|
| Lexus customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V396 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V396000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →