Toyota announced more recalls this week - this time for the Lexus GX 460 sport-utility vehicle - due to problems with the vehicle's stability control system. This followed a Consumer Reports advisory on April 13th, which warned consumers not to purchase the GX 460 SUV due to a high danger of rollover car accidents.
The problem was discovered during Consumer Reports' emergency-handling tests, in which the SUV repeatedly slid out. In fact, the Lexus GX 460 slid out more than any of the other 95 SUV models profiled in the publication's current auto ratings.
Compared past complaint that have eventually ended in recall, Toyota actually moved pretty quickly to stem this potential problem. Thousands of Lexus owners in the United States will be able to get their stability control systems adjusted beginning in May. The fix, which Lexus dealers will be getting material for in late April, is estimated to take about an hour.
Yesterday, Toyota also agreed to pay a $16.4 million fine to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which charged the Japanese auto manufacturer with failing to report flaws with accelerator pedals.
Defective gas pedals have been the cause of many car accidents in the past few years, including the fatal San Diego accident last August.
While Toyota agreed to pay the fine, executives continued to deny any wrongdoing or rule violation. Including the recent Lexus recall, Toyota has called back more than 8 million vehicles for a number of safety problems.
Related Resources
- Toyota Recalls Lexus GX 460 SUV Rated 'Safety Risk' (BusinessWeek)
- Don't Buy: Safety Risk -- 2010 Lexus GX 460 (Consumer Reports)






