Toyota is considering a global recall of eight models including its top-of-the-line LS460 sedan of the flagship Lexus series due to possible engine failure. Up to about 270,000 cars worldwide, including roughly 90,000 units sold in Japan, could be subject to Toyota’s latest recall due to fears that in the worst-case scenario, the engine may stop while the car is running, the sources said. Apart from LS460, other Lexus models—LS600h, LS600hL, GS350, GS450h, GS460 and IS350—and Toyota’s Crown will be subject to the latest recalls of the top Japanese automaker. Of the eight models, three of them—the LS460, LS600h and LS600hL hybrids—had been recalled in May in Japan because of a steering system defect. Toyota announced it will recall a different Lexus model—the 2010 model of its luxury hybrid Lexus HS 250h sold in the United States—over concern that it may cause a fuel spill in a collision. Similar recalls are likely to take place in the United States and other countries where the LS460 is sold.
According to the sources, there are cases in which engines of the models produce an unusual sound or idling becomes unstable because of defects in components related to their engines. The defect may have been caused by the presence of foreign substances at the manufacturing stage, the sources said. Toyota is discussing measures to address this issue with the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, with the likelihood that Toyota will decide on voluntary repairs and not a mandatory recall.
