Toyota Recalls Lexus Models: What to Do if You’re a Lexus Owner
Toyota recalled 270,000 Lexus and Crown vehicles sold around the world this week due to possible contamination during valve spring manufacturing. The company has now recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles for sticking gas pedals, anti-lock brake software glitches and a host of other safety problems.
Massachusetts Lexus owners impacted by the motor vehicle recall will receive official notice from Toyota by first-class mail. Owners will be asked to contact their local Lexus dealer to have the engine’s valve spring replaced at no charge.
Toyota said a foreign substance involved in manufacturing may have contaminated a small number of the valves. If a vehicle is defective, drivers may notice idling or abnormal engine noise. The engine could also stop while the vehicle is in operation.
Of the 270,000 recalled vehicles, 138,000 were sold in the United States, 91,903 in Japan, 15,000 in Europe, 10,000 in the Middle East, 6,000 in China and 4,000 in Canada.
The vehicles were sold between July 2005 and August 2008. They include Lexus models GS350, GS450h, GS460, IS350, LS460, LS600h, LS600hl and Crown models.
This Lexus recall comes just days after Toyota recalled another Lexus model – the Lexus HS250h – because it spilled too much gasoline during crash tests. The tests were part of yearly safety reviews by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In May, Toyota paid a record $16.4 million fine in the United States for responding too slowly when motor vehicle safety problems emerged. The fine was the largest civil penalty ever assessed against an auto maker by the NHTSA.
The NHTSA has linked 89 motor vehicle deaths and 57 injuries over the last decade to Toyota accelerator problems. Overall, it has received more than 6,200 complaints involving unintended acceleration in Toyota’s cars.
Toyota faces more than 200 lawsuits in the United States. The cases involve defective automobiles, lower resale value of Toyota vehicles and stock price declines. The lawsuits, including 130 class-action lawsuits, are being heard in Southern California, near Toyota’s Torrance headquarters.
If you own a Toyota vehicle, it’s important to pay attention to the news and state attorney general’s website for updates. If you own a defective motor vehicle or have been injured as the result of one, now’s the time to get informed about your rights.
To speak to an experienced Massachusetts personal injury lawyer, contact Breakstone, White & Gluck of Boston. Our firm has been serving clients since 1992 and our attorneys have over 80 years combined experience handling personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability and car accident cases. Contact us at 800-379-1244 or by using our online form.