Lexus Recall Issued Due to Risk of Fuek Leaks in More Than 420K Vehicles

Toyota Motor Corporation is recalling more than 422,000 Lexus IS, LS and GS vehicles, after determining that they may leak fuel and pose a risk of fires.  

The Lexus recall (PDF) was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on October 15, indicating that certain parts of the fuel delivery system may have been designed with corroding material, potentially allowing fuel to leak past the gasket. To date, Toyota is not aware of any incidents or injuries related to the issue.

The Lexus IS, GS, and LS models included in the recall have fuel lines that were manufactured with nickel phosphate plating to protect against corrosion. However, some of the pipes could have been produced with plating particles on the gasket seating surface where the fuel lines connect to the fuel pressure sensor. In these vehicles, the seal on the gasket between the fuel lines and the fuel pressure sensor could corrode and degrade over time, allowing fuel to pass through the gasket.

The recall includes year 2007 through 2010 Lexus LS models manufactured from May 9, 2006 to July 20, 2010, 2006 through 2011 Lexus GS models manufactured between January 6, 2005 to September 10, 2010, and 2006 through 2011 Lexus IS models manufactured from August 30, 2005 to September 10, 2010.

Toyota will notify all owners by first class mail with instructions for customers to call and schedule an appointment with a local Lexus dealer to have the gasket seating surface of the fuel delivery pipe repaired where the fuel pressure sensor is installed.

The Lexus recall repair will also include replacing the gasket with a new one and re-installing the fuel pressure sensor with the proper tightening torque. The repairs will be done free of charge and customers who have already had the repair done before the recall notice was sent should contact Lexus General Reimbursement Plan to seek reimbursement.

Customers with further questions may contact Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing of Torrance, California at 1-800-331-4331.