NAGOYA, Jul. 2, 2010 (Kyodo News International) --
(Editors: ADDING DETAILS)
Toyota Motor Corp. will file Monday morning for a recall of eight models, including luxury Lexus cars, due to an engine defect that could cause the vehicles to stop while in motion, affecting about 90,000 units in Japan, company officials said Friday.
The recall, which the top Japanese automaker will file with the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, will cover the top-of-the-line LS460 sedan and other Lexus models -- the LS600h, LS600hL, GS350, GS450h, GS460 and IS350 -- as well as the Toyota Crown, the officials said.
The latest development could deal yet another blow to the company's efforts to redeem its reputation for quality vehicles through stricter quality control checks following massive recalls of its cars since last fall.
Toyota will inform its customers by phone or direct mail via dealers, where work to fix the defect will take place, the officials said.
According to the officials, there is a defect in the valve spring, which produces an unusual sound, makes idling unstable or in the worst case stalls the engine while the car is moving. So far, there have been no reports of accidents linked to this defect.
Concerning some 180,000 vehicles, such as the LS460 sedan, sold overseas including the United States, Toyota will take necessary measures such as filing a recall in line with local regulations, the officials said.
Since last year, Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide, including some of its top-selling models such as the Prius hybrid and the Camry sedan, over problems involving accelerator pedals, floor mats and brakes.
Just last Friday, Toyota announced it will recall a different Lexus model -- the 2010 model of its luxury hybrid Lexus HS250h sold in the United States -- over concerns that it could cause a fuel spill in a collision.
