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Toyota to recall 11,500 Lexus LS models worldwide
by Jaspreet Virk - May 19, 2010 - comments
The recall is aimed at fixing problems in the vehicles' computerized steering system. The world’s largest automaker has taken this decision following safety concerns related to its vehicles.
In yet another recall by the beleaguered Japanese automaker, Toyota Motor Corp. Wednesday said that it plans to call back around 11,500 Lexus LS model vehicles globally.
Meiko Iwasaki, spokeswoman of Toyota, said that the company will be recalling 7,000 vehicles in 50 overseas markets. These include 3,800 in the United States.
Further, 7,000 vehicles will be called back in Japan.
The recall will include four models, which are LS460, LS460L and the hybrids LS600h and LS600hL.
Safety concerns prompt recall
The recall is aimed at fixing problems in the vehicles’ computerized steering system. The world’s largest automaker has taken this decision following safety concerns related to its vehicles.
This is not the first time that the problems related to Lexus vehicle has surfaced. In April, the company had announced suspension of the sales of its Lexus GX460 model in North America.
According to a Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun, Toyota has so far received 12 complaints, claiming electrical problems related to the steering system, thus causing malfunction for a few seconds.
So far, no complaints of accidents linked to the problem have been reported.
Toyota’s troubled past
This is not the first time that the problems related to Lexus vehicle has surfaced. In April, the company had announced suspension of the sales of its Lexus GX460 model in North America.
The recall was undertaken after a consumer magazine Consumer Reports declared its verdict ‘Don’t Buy: Safety Risk’ after it experienced problems with the vehicles, following emergency-handling tests.
So far, Toyota has recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles worldwide due to problems of faulty accelerator pedals, which led the cars to accelerate unexpectedly.
On Tuesday, the company paid $16.4 million record fine, levied by the US Transport Department for intentionally suppressing important information related to faulty accelerator pedals in its vehicles, and delaying a massive recall.
Toyota making amends
Though there seems to be no end to the problems for the harassed automaker, Toyota is trying its best to win back the trust of its customers.
Recently, the company announced that it has fixed problems in 13,000 GX 460 SUVs, in United States, and countries like Russia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Canada.
“Working as one we are putting all our efforts into new initiatives aimed at rebuilding consumer trust and contributing to society through our products and services,” reads Toyota’s web page.