2011 Lexus RX Hybrid
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › RX Hybrid › 2011
These records cover every 2011 Lexus RX Hybrid. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
12 complaints2 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
ABS, brake, traction control & yield lights are on and beeping sound. Also brake pedal IS hard!!!!!
- Service brakes, air › Antilock › Abs warning light · Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the…
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
- Engine
The oil cooler pipe broke on my 2011 lexus rx450h starving the engine of oil as I was driving home from work. the part IS currently under warranty enhancement by lexus and IS a known problem on my model year of vehicle. the malfunction IS particularly insidious as oil only leaks when the engine…
The oil cooler pipe broke on my 2011 lexus rx450h starving the engine of oil as I was driving home from work. the part IS currently under warranty enhancement by lexus and IS a known problem on my model year of vehicle. the malfunction IS particularly insidious as oil only leaks when the engine IS running, however with a hybrid when the vehicle stops the engine stops and so does the leak at least until you have reached a high enough speed for the engine to kick back on again. in my situation I received no check engine lights, oil lights or any other indication other then suddenly it felt like my engine was running a little rough. I immediately pulled over (i was just on a city street) and found the back of the vehicle was covered in oil. I had the vehicle towed to the local lexus dealership who identified the issue as the oil cooler pipe and lexus corporate paid for the repair under their warranty enhancement. when I picked the vehicle up from lexus of albuquerque I didn't even make it two miles away from the dealership before I started getting all kinds of lights flashing on my dash and the only power I had to move the vehicle was the electric hybrid drive. the vehicle was towed back to lexus which informed me a few days later that the engine had seized. I opened a new case with lexus corporate concerning the engine issues since my engine failure was a result of the warrantied part failing. lexus's ultimate answer was sorry, but we are unwilling to help you as well as the answer from the dealership. im the original owner of the vehicle and it has only ever been serviced at lexus dealerships, and not once did a service advisor/manager inform me that this part was a potential problem. for such an integral part that was poorly manufactured and can cause such expensive and catastrophic damage the oil cooler pipe needs to be recalled.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 lexus rx450h. The contact stated that the engine failed. While her husband was driving, there was black smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe. The driver coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to lexus of albuquerque, 4821 pan american fwy…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 lexus rx450h. The contact stated that the engine failed. While her husband was driving, there was black smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe. The driver coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to lexus of albuquerque, 4821 pan american fwy, , albuquerque, nm 87109, and was diagnosed that the oil cooler pipe failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired after the repair the engine seized. The vehicle was towed back to the same dealer but was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number however, the contact stated that the manufacturer closed the case. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. *Dt consumer stated oil leaks when engine IS running. Also, consumer had no check engine indicator or oil lights during the initial failure.*jb
- Engine
High pressure engine oil cooler hose ruptured causing an immediate loss of all engine oil and stranding my granddaughter in the outback. the vehicle was being driven on a county highway in the country. the vehicle was in motion when the rupture occurred. it appears that lexus IS aware of this…
High pressure engine oil cooler hose ruptured causing an immediate loss of all engine oil and stranding my granddaughter in the outback. the vehicle was being driven on a county highway in the country. the vehicle was in motion when the rupture occurred. it appears that lexus IS aware of this problem but did not contact me nor apply the warranty extension for my case. I feel a recall IS warranted due to the abrupt failure of the hose, engine damage caused, and the likely hood of being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
- Power train
The coolant leaked in my garage. Engine making some noises while the car IS stationary. Diagnosed as having a bad water pump causing a coolant leak.
- Electrical system
Something in the dashboard console by the radio has overheated, melting the ac vent on the front passenger side. Little flecks of plastic started blowing out of the vent, and when I looked inside the vent, I could see where the louvered pieces are melted.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I bought a 2011 lexus rx450h new at the dealership february of 2011. fast forward to summer of 2014. driving down I-20 in east texas, middle of nowhere, car suddenly has no power, I barely get it on the shoulder. message on dash "check hybrid system". tow truck to dealer. failed or broken fuel…
I bought a 2011 lexus rx450h new at the dealership february of 2011. fast forward to summer of 2014. driving down I-20 in east texas, middle of nowhere, car suddenly has no power, I barely get it on the shoulder. message on dash "check hybrid system". tow truck to dealer. failed or broken fuel pump. three year old car with 34,336 miles. replaced under warranty. fast forward to spring of 2015. driving on I-55 north. car dies while highway driving. 41,452 miles. out of warranty. but, lexus has 1 year warranty parts and labor on repairs. lexus says, oh, you had bad gas, don't have to honor repair warranty!! charge was about $ 1,200. they allowed $ 500 credit. had to pay $655.89 out of pocket. talked to kroger fuel, where I had purchased premium fuel. not one complaint from anyone else about fuel from that station. second bad fuel pump. Fuel purchased before 1ST fuel pump failed was from dallas station, not kroger. very dangerous situation when car stops on interstate. floorboarding gas pedal, car going less than 10 mph and slowing, and then refused to move. would never buy another lexus. obviously something seriously wrong with fuel pumps. also, lexus does not honor 1 year repair warranty. poor business practice.
- Seat belts
I drove to a neighborhood subway for lunch. I was unable to release the seat belt when pushing the seat belt release button. fortunately, I am rather small and slight in stature, 5'9" and 150 lbs., and was able to loosen the belt and squirm free. took the car to the dealer and received a loaner…
I drove to a neighborhood subway for lunch. I was unable to release the seat belt when pushing the seat belt release button. fortunately, I am rather small and slight in stature, 5'9" and 150 lbs., and was able to loosen the belt and squirm free. took the car to the dealer and received a loaner car while they fixed the vehicle overnight. thought I should report this as if there had been a fire or I had driven into a flooded area, I would have been a fatality. *tr
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
I was pulling into a driveway after I fully stopped my car ( I was waiting for another car to pull out of driveway first). When I braked to stop my car it did not respond initially. I could not stop it fast enough to avoid collision w a parked car in driveway. This was so strange because I was…
I was pulling into a driveway after I fully stopped my car ( I was waiting for another car to pull out of driveway first). When I braked to stop my car it did not respond initially. I could not stop it fast enough to avoid collision w a parked car in driveway. This was so strange because I was moving my car very slowly. I then put it in reverse to back up a couple feet so I could assess damage to cars. When I did this and pressed the accelerator my car accelerated out of control into street. Once again the braking was insufficient to stop my car as desired. Normally the brakes stop this car on a dime (not really on a dime, but normally the brakes are excellent). The later acceleration was witnessed by the owner of the now rear-ended car in driveway. No damage to my car other than to my license plate. No one was injured. There was damage to the parked car in driveway. The damaged car was an older car, a 1970-something BMW, so it didn't have the cool new bumpers that can absorb a low speed impact. Very scary in spite of the relatively the low speeds and short distance & duration of event, this issue could hurt someone. *js
- Seats
Foot of backseat passenger sitting behind the driver was trapped and painfully mashed under seat positioning mechanism when seat automatically moved back when car ignition was turned off. there needs to be a sensor that detects when seat motion IS obstructed and stops or reverses seat motion rather than crushing whatever IS in the way including body parts. *Tr
- Structure › Body · Visibility/wiper
Vehicle has been involved in multiple near misses resulting from lateral mirrors bulkiness and lack of visibility for driver when turning left or right in an intersection. the most recent incident resulted in a collision with another vehicle that had clear road right causing significant damage to…
Vehicle has been involved in multiple near misses resulting from lateral mirrors bulkiness and lack of visibility for driver when turning left or right in an intersection. the most recent incident resulted in a collision with another vehicle that had clear road right causing significant damage to both vehicles front ends, the deployment of the air bag system of the other vehicle. the position of the lateral mirrors which are huge and the roof support corner side bar of the vehicle makes it to have a blind spot where you simply are not able to see vehicle that IS closely approaching in the other direction. In order to avoid this issue the driver needs to move side-front at all times when turning left or right.. there have been several multiple near misses because the extra precaution the driver has exercised. I believe this IS an important safety concern that lexus needs to take care of immediately. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11007456Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
- 11006162Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
- 11005121Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
- 11005063Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
- 11003650To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
- 11003648The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
- 11003643Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
- 11003642Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
- 11003641Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
- 11003595To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
- 11003593The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
- 11003588Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
- 11003587Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
- 11003586Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
- 10230353TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022
- 10230352DP: Limited Service Campaign KLG expired December 01, 2022
- 10230351TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022
- 10230350DP: Customer Support Program 19LE05 expired December 1, 2022.
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10213903TSB: This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing the rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger
- 10210374TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
- 10209023TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This service bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
- 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10205384DCM Activation is not Applicable when Safety Connect/Lexus enform service has expired
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 10205378When an iPhone is linked to the vehicle through Bluetooth, activation of the microphone on the iPhone will result in the vehicle display showing that an outgoing call is being made.
- 10205377XM Re-Registration with Radio Unit Swap 2010-2014 Models with Satellite Radio
- 10205376Window and Windshield kProduct Report Tips - Multiple Vehicles
- 10205375Window and Windshield kProduct Report Tips - Multiple Vehicles
- 10205371Navigation and Audio System Update/ Upgrade USB Directory.
- 10205365Vehicle no start, Start Stop Run Button LED - Lexus Models with Smart Key with LED
- 10205362Rear Seat Entertainment Parental Control Password Reset/Initialization
- 10205359Oil Viscosity Applicability and Cfhange Interval Guide
- 10205358Oil Viscosity Applicability and Cfhange Interval Guide
- 10205356HOD Navigation Map Update Process
- 10205355HV Transaxle Repair Components Available
- 10205354HDD Navigation Kprogrlam Setup
- 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
- 10205349High Voltage (HV) Battery Rescue Charge (HEV Workstation/GRX-5100
- 10205341HDD Navigation Program Setup
Every Lexus RX Hybrid model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.