- Toyota is recalling 17,000 2010 Lexus HS 250h vehicles because of a possible fire hazard due to fuel leakage.
- The Japanese automaker issued a stop-sale order on the HS 250h on June 25.
- This is the second recall for the HS 250h.
WASHINGTON — Toyota is recalling 17,000 2010 Lexus HS 250h vehicles because of a possible fire hazard due to fuel leakage, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Japanese automaker issued a stop-sale order on the HS 250h on June 25, according to other documentation filed with the federal government and signed by Chris Santucci, Toyota Motor North America manager of technical and regulatory affairs.
It is the second time this year that the Lexus HS 250h has been recalled and a stop-sale order issued. In February, 15,090 2010 Lexus HS 250h vehicles were recalled and a stop-sale order issued to upgrade antilock brake software. The February action was part of a larger recall of 148,549 vehicles, including the 2010 Toyota Prius.
NHTSA recently conducted testing of the HS 250h and found that the vehicle exhibited fuel spillage that exceeded the requirements in the federal safety standard. "Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source," could result in a fire," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem.
Toyota has not provided a remedy for the recall and has not set a timetable for repairs. Toyota disputed the results of the federal testing but said it would go ahead with the recall and stop-sale order anyway.
"Even though our own testing of the Lexus HS 250h shows full compliance with federal fuel system integrity standards, we are working intensely to duplicate the noncompliance issue that NHTSA identified and to determine the reason behind the different test results," said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America, in a statement on Friday.
Toyota said it will also contact every owner of the HS 250h "as soon as the issue is better understood and/or a remedy is developed."
Lexus customers with questions can call the automaker at 800-255-3987. They can also contact NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.
Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Lexus HS 250h, be aware that there is a recall and expect to hear from Toyota for further instructions. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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ballerdc says:
08:30 AM, 11/24/2010
It looks like a techno Corolla and has the reliability of a VW... Hmmmm. My how times have changed. This ain't your grandpa's Lexus.
karlman says:
02:56 PM, 09/20/2010
I am an owner of this vehicle. Perhaps it is not the right vehicle for some of you; this fact has no bearing on whether or not it is the right vehicle for another person. Throwing out terms such as, "stupid americans," and "lame idea," is the most base level of communication. Do I feel somewhat betrayed by Toyota? Sure. I was angry that I purchased the vehicle days before their original recall was made public; the president and managers of Toyota knew of the defect long before the recall. I feel as though the company knowingly sold me a defective vehicle. And here I am again, finding my vehicle recalled...this is very frustrating. At this point I wish I had a legal way of returning the vehicle and getting my money back. BUT, there are some very compelling reasons why I purchased this vehicle (all problems aside). First, I WANTED a luxury vehicle that got better gas mileage and didn't need premium fuel. I didn't want, nor did I have a need for the 300 horse power of luxury vehicles. (Does anyone really need that much?) The Prius does not meet the standard for luxury. I tried to like it...but I did not like the interior at all-it felt cheap inside and I did not want a hatchback. The HS is as nice inside as the infiniti and BMW I previously owned and nicer inside than the ES350, plus, this hybrid is a perfect size for my needs; the front and back seats have more than ample leg-room. The vehicle feels as solid as a tank, yet I get 37 mpg on the highway and 35 around town! I like that the plastics used in this vehicle are soy-based products, not petroleum and that the batteries are recyclable. It's ride is fairly supple but sporty enough, though I'm not a great fan of the seats which are too small. The navigation system, which I originally scoffed at, has become one of my favorite amenities. With more than one driver in the family, the 3 person seat memory is a major bonus. The engine is amazingly powerful for a 4 cylinder hybrid, and I like that I can drive around in economy mode, get great MPGs and use power mode for the mountains. The concept of this vehicle was ideal for me and probably for the other 17,000 owners who wanted an eco-friendly alternative with a luxury feel. For those who spout, "take public transit!" Nice idea, but not possible in many areas of the nation. I loved taking the bus or metro to school when in college and would do so to go to work...I'd use my travel time to read, relax, snooze. Not possible where I live. I say, criticize the car for its flaws, criticize the car maker for its mistakes, but don't criticize another's taste in vehicle or attack a person because they don't share the same values as you.
skw0123 says:
07:22 AM, 06/29/2010
What is the record for "stop sale" actions by a manufacturer in one year? Toyota has to be working on some kind of record.
charlesb says:
08:42 PM, 06/28/2010
This car was not a good offering, fuel leaks aside. Lexus' attempt to go four cylinder hybrid luxury was not a wise one.
deathtollwrx says:
08:14 PM, 06/28/2010
I seriously can't believe the price on this thing..
a luxury hybrid is such a lame idea.
You buy a hybrid to SAVE MONEY on gas..
Sure you want to save the earth but in that case you would just take mass transit or buy a Prius.
igo1 says:
06:30 PM, 06/28/2010
It just like Americans throwing thousands and thousands of money into drain for way overpriced old tech muscle cars and pickup trucks. I don't get it neither.
adavis2493 says:
12:28 PM, 06/28/2010
I suggest they seize production of this car indefinitely for being nothing more than a fully loaded Prius with a Lexus Badge and a few more grand added to the price.
It scares me that 17,000 People have put their money down on this car....
stingray454 says:
11:37 AM, 06/28/2010
Serves 'em right for making such boring and ugly vehicles, and preying on stupid Americans.
atenza94546 says:
11:30 AM, 06/28/2010
From the most relaible source NHTSA ???
4g63 says:
11:14 AM, 06/28/2010
wow toyota is doomed or what?