Another (rare) bad day in the illustrious history of Lexus. Parent company Toyota announced it will issue a recall its 3.5-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 engines. This will affect 270,000 vehicles worldwide, primarily in Japan (90,000) and the United States (137,000).
Faulty valve springs are the concern in these engines. A press released issued by Toyota Motor Sales USA reads: "Due to slight variations during the manufacturing process, some foreign material may have contaminated the valve springs resulting in potential breakage."
Obvious symptoms of the problem include "abnormal" noises or idling behavior, or in some instances, random stalling.
No 2010 or 2011 vehicles will be part of the recall. However, if you own a Lexus IS 350, GS 350, GS 460, GS 450h, LS 460 or LS 600h of any earlier model year, don't be surprised if a letter comes in the mail. The Japanese-market Toyota Crown is also part of the recall. Note that only the longitudinal (rear-drive) version of the 3.5-liter V6 is affected, so the front-drive-based ES 350, RX 350 and RX 450h won't be part of the recall.
You don't need to wait for a letter, of course, as Lexus dealers will open their doors to any and all concerned owners. The Wall Street Journal cited a Tokyo-based Toyota spokesperson who said the automaker has gotten 200 complaints worldwide.
half_ton says:
03:51 PM, 07/ 1/10
Toyota/Lexus recalls . . . who knew?
estreka says:
04:54 AM, 07/ 2/10
Toyota has come a long way since the development of the flawless 2JZ.
bodyblue says:
08:05 AM, 07/ 2/10
Good lord! ANOTHER recall?? GULP
brn says:
08:11 AM, 07/ 2/10
"Another (rare) bad day"
Both "another" and "rare" at the same time? How about we just stick with "another"?
kosmo69 says:
04:53 PM, 07/ 2/10
the "rentless pursuit of perfection" continues...
cargeek5 says:
05:50 PM, 07/ 6/10
another toyota/lexua recall....surprise?...nope