- Lexus says the remedy for the faulty vehicle stability control system on the recalled 2010 Lexus GX 460 is now available.
- It is also resuming sales of the SUV, after they were stopped following a Consumer Reports "don't buy" warning because of a reported rollover risk.
TORRANCE, California — Lexus has a remedy in place for the faulty vehicle stability control system on the recalled 2010 Lexus GX 460, a little more than two weeks after Consumer Reports issued a "don't buy" warning on the luxury SUV because of what it said was rollover risk. Toyota's upscale arm will also resume sales of the $52,845 GX 460.
"Our dealers began contacting customers yesterday offering to make arrangements to perform the update, and we expect them to get in touch with most GX owners within one week," said Lexus in a statement on Thursday. "With the revision now in place, we are also resuming sales of the 2010 GX 460."
Toyota recalled the 9,400 units of the SUV in the U.S. on April 19, just days after Consumer Reports said its testing revealed a rollover risk. Toyota later concurred that if the GX 460 is driven through a sharp turn under "certain high-speed conditions, the rear tires could lose traction."
Toyota later explained that weight distribution appeared to be a factor in the problem. Toyota said that activation of the vehicle stability control "may not be sufficient in certain circumstances due to the setting of the VSC program. As a remedy, Toyota will update the VSC program to enhance the effectiveness of the VSC so that the risk of the vehicle sliding, even to the point that it is almost sideways, will be reduced."
Owners with questions about the GX 460 can contact Lexus at (800) 255-3987. The automaker is providing a courtesy vehicle to any owners of the SUV who are concerned about driving it before the recall work is completed.
Inside Line says: If you own the GX 460 in question, have it checked out by your dealer ASAP. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
stertip says:
07:50 AM, 05/02/2010
ant14, could you please provide a link to where you got those ratings, because neither of those organizations had ratings for the gx460 on their websites. Plus, the volvo xc60 isn't really comparable since it doesn't have a third row at all. The GX also has a much more luxurious ride. Sorry if I sound like a GX fanboy, I'm not and am still deciding which SUV to buy, but people seem to be bashing it too much without knowing the full picture. You have to drive it to truly appreciate this SUV
ant14 says:
09:00 AM, 04/30/2010
I did a search on NHTSA and IIHS about those aforementioned vehicles. The GX460 received 5/4 stars, while the Traverse received 5/5, (both midsize SUV's) and same with Tahoe at 5/5, and Yukon XL at 5/5 which are considered (Large size SUV's). IIHS is currently under going their own testing and didnt have that info provided. As for interior accomodations, Wards Automotive just named the Volvo XC60 as best interior in that segment, the GX received a nomination but failed from poor access to 3rd row seating.
stertip says:
05:44 AM, 04/30/2010
uhhh, do you even have a family? Not every family needs massive amounts of cargo room. For many families the cargo room in the GX, with the third row folded flat, is plenty. ANd the third row is usable by kids when needed, and more spacious than the tahoe's and yukons. Even the suburban doesn't have an adult-friendly third row. THe size of the GX makes it much more maneuvarable and easy to live with. Plus, none of the gm suv's are safer than the GX. Size does not equal safety. And now the stability control issues are gone, so there really are no safety concerns with the GX. The interior is world class, better than any other luxury suv in this price range, and the ride is far better than any other suv in this price range. Finally, the reliability should blow the others out of the water. The x5, and ml don't compare cause the lack an even half-usable third row, and the GL450 isn't as luxurious for the price, and isn't as capable off road. The GX is truly the best combination available for $55-60k
nicked says:
04:12 AM, 04/30/2010
The only reason I'm going to buy this car for power sliding, but now it's gone.
scottyscooter says:
03:47 AM, 04/30/2010
It's kind of crazy that this was considered too unsafe for sale because the stability control wasn't dialed in effectively enough. It seems like it wasn't all that long ago that we didn't even have stability control on vehicles.
wjtinatl says:
08:10 PM, 04/29/2010
Best family SUV.... that's funny. Compared to a Suburban, Expedition EL or Yukon XL, the new GX is a bad a joke as the old GX. Families need 6-8 seats, cargo space and a feeling of safety/security. The GX now misses on all 3. 15k in leather and wood on a 4-Runner don't make a great family SUV, just like a 3-row Explorer or Tahoe don't make it. And the new GX also faces the LR4, X5 and GL450 to boot. Hard to believe, but I think Toyota/Lexus missed by a mile on this one.
ant14 says:
07:27 PM, 04/29/2010
Yeah all for the sake of safety...how horrible...
stertip says:
04:46 PM, 04/29/2010
The GX is probably the best family suv out there right now. This whole thing has been blown WAY out of proportion