The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·10E051000·Announced 2010-10-27

Advics Brake Master Cylinders Recalled for Potential Brake Fluid Leak

Advics is recalling brake master cylinders in certain Toyota and Honda vehicles because a seal may dry out and leak fluid, potentially degrading braking performance.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the braking system that explicitly states it increases the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Advics North America, Inc. is recalling certain brake master cylinders installed as original equipment in specific Toyota and Honda passenger vehicles. The defect involves the use of brake fluid containing polymers that act as a lubricant for brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that lacks these polymers or contains only small amounts, a rubber seal at the rear of the master cylinder may dry out and curl during piston movement.

This condition could cause a small amount of brake fluid to slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster. A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and, over time, a degradation in braking performance, which increases the risk of a crash.

Owners of the defective brake master cylinders will be notified by their vehicle manufacturer. The safety recall began on November 15, 2010. Toyota owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and Lexus at 1-800-255-3987, while Honda owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit safercar.gov for more information.

The recalled product

Product
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER recall
Manufacturer
ADVICS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Category
Vehicle — Brake System
Hazard
Affected units
1,228,544

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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