Toyota is recalling 270,000 Lexus models and the Toyota Crown because faulty valve springs might cause engine stalling.
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Toyota officials initially said 90,000 Lexus and Toyota Crown cars would be recalled in Japan and that was soon followed by the US Lexus division saying 138,000 Lexus sedans would be recalled there and the Lexus division in Canada saying 3,700 Lexus owners would be asked to bring their cars in to dealerships for repair. Other markets have also confirmed recalls.
The recalled vehicles are from model years 2006 to 2008.
“Lexus vehicles, powered by 4.6- and five-litre V8 and 3.5-litre V6 engines in certain 2006, 2007 and 2008 GS, IS and LS models” will be recalled in the United States, Lexus said.
Japan’s Asahi newspaper said the move could cost the carmaker up to JPY20bn (US$228m).
Replacing up to 32 valve springs is a complex job and Toyota declined to confirm the reported cost estimate for the recalls, which would amount to a relatively steep JPY74,000 ($844) a vehicle.
A foreign material may have contaminated some valve springs.
“In extremely rare instances, the engine may stop while the vehicle is in operation,” said Lexus in the US.
The likelihood of a driver experiencing these problems with one of the cars is one in 500, it added.
Affected models are: GS350, GS450h, GS460, IS350, LS460, LS 600h and LS 600hl.
Lexus US said owners can continue to drive their vehicles. If symptoms are noticed, such as vibration, rough idling, unusual engine sounds or poor performance, the vehicle should be taken to a dealer for service.
