Toyota says it will recall about 9,400 2010 Lexus GX 460. The recall follows
the recent finding by Consumer Reports that the vehicle poses a rollover risk.
As our automotive products liability lawyers reported in our Product Liability
Law Blog last week, the safety hazard came to public attention when the
popular magazine, after testing the vehicle, told consumers “Don’t
Buy” the 2010 Lexus GX 460. Toyota, after coming under fire in the
past for its slow response when dealing with possible safety hazards,
reacted swiftly, temporarily suspending the sale and manufacture of the
Lexus GX 460 and conducting its own tests to see if it could replicate
Consumer Reports’ findings. It did.
Now, the automaker is recalling the vehicles to fix a problem with the
SUV’s Vehicle Stability Control system that is increasing the chances
of loss of control and/or rollover. Toyota intends to update the VSC system.
Toyota’s latest recall comes on the heels of its recall last week
of approximately 600,000 Toyota Sienna minivans (1998 – 2010 models).
The automaker is concerned that corrosion might affect the spare tire
carrier cable—especially in localities where there is high salt
usage during cold weather—and that this could lead to the spare
tire coming off the vehicle and falling onto the road, posing a safety
hazard to other motorists.
Toyota is attempting to remedy its tarnished reputation in the wake of
its recent recalls of over 8 million vehicles because of sudden acceleration
issues, sticky gas pedals, brake problem, and ill-fitting floor mats.
Also today, the automaker agreed to pay a $16.4 million fine for failing
to notify US authorities immediately about the accelerator pedal defect.
Toyota recalled 2.3 million autos because of the sticky gas pedal defect
in January. However, the US government says that the car manufacturer
knew about the sticky gas pedal defect as early as late September. Under
US law, car manufacturers are supposed report safety defects that they
discover within five business days.
Meantime, dozens of plaintiffs have come forward suing Toyota for auto
products liability and wrongful death.
AP Source: Toyota to recall 2010 Lexus GX 460 SUVs, Associated Press/Google,
April 19, 2010
Toyota announces voluntary recall on 2010 Lexus GX 460 to update vehicle
stability control software, Lexus.com, April 19, 2010 (PDF)
Recall: 600,000 Toyota Sienna minivans, Chicago Tribune, April 19, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Toyota News Releases, Toyota.com
Additional Information on Toyota Recalls and Investigations, National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Don’t Buy: Safety Risk–2010 Lexus GX 460, Consumer Reports,
April 13, 2010
Our auto products liability attorneys are offering free consultations to people who were injured or lost loved ones because of a Toyota auto defect. Contact The Gilbert Law Group, P.C. today.
