By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com
April 19, 2010
Toyota has announced the recall of 9,400 luxury SUVs less than a week after Consumer Reports highlighted what it called a "dangerous flaw" in the vehicle.
Toyota Monday said it would recall the 2010 Lexus GX 460 models sold in the United States to address an electronic throttle issue.
"With the news from Consumer Reports that our 2010 GX 460 did not pass its "Throttle Lift-Off" test, we immediately stopped selling the vehicle and commenced vigorous testing to identify and correct the issue," Toyota said in a statement.
"Today, I'm happy to announce that we have developed a remedy that will be quickly implemented to help address customer concerns," said Mark Templin
Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager.
"We will be voluntarily recalling all 2010 GX 460s that have been sold in order to update the Vehicle Stability Control system. We will begin implementing this program in the next two weeks and our dealers will be reaching out to customers shortly to set up appointments to make this modification."
Lexus said it is confident that the update will make the performance of the GX even better for our customers. The company also said it will provide a courtesy vehicle to anyone who has purchased a 2010 GX 460 and has concerns about driving it until the recall work has been completed.
On April 13 Consumer Reports issued a rare "Don't Buy" rating for the 2010 Lexus GX 460, calling the high-end SUV unsafe. Just hours later, Toyota responded by asking dealers to withhold sales of the GX 640. The magazine says the vehicle performed poorly during standard emergency handling tests.
"When pushed to its limits on our track's handling course, the rear of the GX we bought slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control," the publication said on its Web site. "We believe that in real-world driving, that situation could lead to a rollover accident, which could cause serious injury or death. We are not aware, however, of any such reports."
Toyota said customers who have any questions or concerns should contact their local Lexus dealer or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987."
