Lexus to recall 270,000 cars worldwide | Car Advice

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Lexus to recall 270,000 cars worldwide

By Brett Davis |

About 90,000 vehicles in Japan and 180,000 vehicles elsewhere could be affected by another recall Toyota and Lexus decision-makers are contemplating.

The latest issue affects Australian-sold LS460, LS600hL, GS460 and GS450h models. The issue also affects – on an international scale – the LS600h, the LS600hL, the GS350, the GS450h, the GS460 and the IS350 and Toyota’s Crown.

Japanese media reports say the issue is related to an engine fault, primarily with 4.6-litre-based cars. The problem causes the engine to stall and possibly not restart. Symptoms that indicate an infected vehicle include, rough idling and unusual sounds from the engine.

Although an official recall is yet to be issued, a spokesman from Lexus headquarters in Japan has said a final decision hadn’t been made just yet but the company has recognised the issue and says the problem will have to be addressed soon.

Although the previous Toyota recalls that affected up to 10 million cars worldwide did cause a major safety concern, there hasn’t been any reports of accidents related to the latest problem.

According to Reuters, the recall could cost Toyota and Lexus $228 million.


 
  • Mikey_94

    Seriously, after all of Toyota\’s recent failures regarding US-based cars, they stuble across engines that could “stall and possibly not restart”… Gees I’d hate to be Akio Toyoda right now

    Also, when is Volkswagon or GM going to overtake Toyota as the worlds biggest car maker. The title is way overdue to change hands :)

  • Robin Graves

    What happened to the company that used to build indestructible engines – whole cars for that matter. Did they suddenly decide they didnt need to test prototypes before production or something?

    • Golfschwein

      They’ve never been perfect, as any Camry owner with delicate 3rd gear synchros, failed head gaskets, cracked dashboards and peeling cloth door trims will attest, but it’s only getting public traction in recent times.

  • Taxie

    Here we go again!!! Another Toyota failure……how many more is there gonna be? Corolla recall is on the way……

  • TomJ

    They’re going for the Range Rover level of quality reputation (read none).

    This really has tarnished the brand, and will allow the rejuvenated Ford to take the top crown.

  • Neo Utopia

    Lexus slipping?…I’d say it’s something to do with the GFC sentiment and the US.

  • Flying High

    …and not a word from that small but vocal group of Toyota freaks who frequent this site….

  • http://baji192.wordpress.com Baji

    I have to wonder whether Toyota already knew about all these faults, and is just using the initial unintended acceleration debacle to air ALL of their dirty laundry and attempt to start from a clean slate.

  • http://www.facebook.com/sammo.8191 Sam Moss

    So much for Lexus being better than the Germans.. :P

  • rentakeyboard

    Doesnt Camaurion share its 3.5 li V6 with Lexus models?

  • rentakeyboard

    Not the first time Toyota has hidden recalls you could
    be right.

  • rentakeyboard

    Dont remember this one
    Toyota—LEXUS LS460 and LS600hL—Steering Control ECU Replacement
    PRA number: 2010/11670
    Date created: 24th May 2010
    Product information
    Product description
    LEXUS LS460 and LS600hL
    Identifying features
    Please see attached supporting documentation for affected VIN numbers.
    Target Number: 37
    Campaign Number: 0514E

    What are the hazards?
    Vehicle malfunction
    What are the defects?
    On certain Lexus LS460 and LS600hL vehicles the Steering Control ECU programming for the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system can result in the steering wheel becoming off-centre by a maximum of up to 90 degrees under certain limited driving conditions such as when conducting a U-Turn or accelerating quickly following a sharp turn. If the driver has fully turned the steering wheel to full lock and then very quickly attempts to turn it back to the centre position, the steering wheel may temporarily become off-centred before automatically returning to the centre position within 1-5 seconds.
    Where the product was sold
    National
    Supplier
    Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited
    What should consumers do?
    All owners of affected vehicles will be contacted initially by phone to explain the situation.All vehicles involved in this campaign will have the affected steering control computer (ECU)replaced.
    Additionally all owners of affected vehicles will receive a personal visitation from a Lexus representative to explain the condition and as well as the driving conditions under which thecondition may occur. This customer visitation will commence on Monday 24th May 2010.
    Advertisements and supporting documentation
    Toyota—LEXUS LS460 and LS600hL—Steering Control ECU Replacement Vin Numbers.JPG (60.0 KB) Print