SUV Rollover Risk Prompts Toyota to Recall 2010 Lexus GX 460 SUVs

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.

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