While the Web buzzes with reports of a Lexus recall involving 245,000 American cars, the parent company,Toyota Motor Corp., announced Wednesday, Jan. 26, the problem is much bigger.
According to reports, Toyota has recalled a total of 1.7 million cars worldwide, including the U.S. Lexus models.
Cars are being recalled because of a potential fuel tank leak that could cause strong gas odors inside the vehicles.
The problems stems from a fuel pressure sensor the company says may become loose, leaking gas before it's properly piped to the engine.
"There are no warnings that this condition will occur,” a Toyota press release read. “However, if fuel is leaking from the fuel pressure sensor, in some instances a fuel odor may be noticed from the engine compartment.”
Toyota said Wednesday it will send letters to car owners, prompting them to bring their vehicles in for inspection. If repairs are necessary, most dealers are equipped to make them. Company spokesmen said repairs involve a simple gasket replacement which could take up to three hours, depending on dealership work loads and hours of operation.
Company executives said leaks are not expected to be severe, indicating cars with suspected problems could still be driven while drivers wait on busy technicians.
Spokesman Brian Lyons called the leak “very minute.”
There has, however, been at least one insurance claim reported, allegedly because of a fuel sensor-related leak. No injuries or accidents have been reported.
Although dealerships are gearing-up for significant spikes in activity, the company has not announced when all cars will be inspected or repaired.
Lexus models affected are the 2006 and 2007 GS; 2006 through 2009 IS250; and 2006 through 2008 IS350.
Cars such as the Avensis, Noah, RAV4 and Wish are also being recalled in Europe, Japan and New Zealand.
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