Toyota and Lexus Hybrids Recalled Over Stalling Issues

A problem with the electronics of the hybrid system, which could cause certain Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs to lose power or stop running, is the reason behind the Japanese carmaker’s latest recall.

Toyota said about 45,500 Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles from the 2006 and 2007 model years sold in the USA are affected by the voluntary recall.

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Trapped Accelerator Pedals Come to Haunt Toyota and Lexus Again, 2.12 Million Vehicles Recalled in the USA

The Toyota Group may be off the hook over suspicions of unwanted sudden acceleration caused by software-driven throttles after the findings of the NHTSA-NASA study, but the Japanese automaker is once again making headlines over trapped accelerator pedals. Today, Toyota announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 2.12 million vehicles in the United States to address accelerator pedals that could become entrapped in floor mats or jammed in carpeting.

More specifically, Toyota is recalling approximately 20,000 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles from the 2006-2007 model years to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver’s side floor carpet. According to the company, if the floor carpet is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, it is possible that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may jam against the accelerator pedal and keep it from returning to the idle position.

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Lexus UK Winters-up RX 450h with New SE-I Special Edition

A new special edition model has been added to the UK range of the Lexus RX450h hybrid crossover. Named the SE-I, the new model sports a host of accessories said to be suited for those "who love the great outdoors" - always according to Lexus.

On the outside the so-called Lifestyle model adds roof rails and a rear bumper protect, plus front and rear under-run plates. Interior features of the package include a tough boot liner, claimed to be designed to cope with muddy boots, and a warm / cold storage box.

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Lexus bringing Five Customized Hybrids Plus CT 200h F-Sport to SEMA Show

Hitting the SEMA Show floors next week will be an array of customized Lexus hybrid models. The Japanese firm's lineup in Las Vegas will include the RX 450h SUV tuned by Paul Tolson, a race-spec GS 450h sedan, the VIP Auto Salon-prepped HS 250h sedan and two modified LS 600h L limos.

Lexus will also show off the CT 200h F-Sport concept fitted with 18-inch wheels shod in Pirelli P-Zero Nero 225/40 tires, a big brake kit with cross drilled rotors and an adjustable sport suspension. Full details and pictures after the break.

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New Toyota Recall, this time for Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of some 740,000 vehicles in the United States to address a potential leak problem with a seal in the brake master cylinder. The models that are being recalled in the U.S. are the 2005-2006MY Toyota Avalon, 2004-2006MY Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350. Another 600,898 vehicles were recalled in Japan and approximately 200,000 in China for the same issue.

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