Why has Toyota recalled Lexus models in Japan but not in the U.S.?
Despite being the exact same Lexus models, Toyota has ordered the immediate recall of about 90,000 Lexus and Toyota models in Japan, but not 137,000 of the same vehicles in the U.S. !
Toyota spokesperson Mike Michels defended the move with the excuse that, "every country has different regulatory processes and timetables... This is an engine durability issue, and we've yet to determine by U.S. standards whether or not this is a safety issue or merely a warranty issue."
The defect involves "faulty engines that could stall while in motion". So of course, this is very much a safety issue, but Toyota is relying a less stringent (than Japan) American safety regulations to delay or avoid issuing an immediate recall, even though doing so could realistically endanger the lives of American drivers, their passengers and road-sharers.
Toyota has obviously not learned an iota from recall fiascoes and resulting fatalities, Congressional hearings, fines and class-action suits earlier this year! Or perhaps they just don't care about American lives as much as they apparently do for their countrymen?
By the way, the affected Lexus models are: GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS 350, LS 460, LS 600h, and LS 600h.
Toyota recalls so far this year total over 8 million, with more, obviously, to come.
* " Toyota to recall faulty engines only in Japan ", Nathan Olivarez-Giles, LA Times
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