Toyota Recalls Lexus Cars To Fix Fuel Leaks
Toyota is recalling nearly 423,000 Lexus luxury brand cars to fix fuel leaks that can cause fires.
According to an Associated Press news report, the recalls involve the 2006-11 GS, 2007-10 LS and the 2006-11 IS models.
The Japanese automaker says that the cars’ fuel lines have nickel phosphate plating to protect against corrosion.
Some lines could have been built with particles coming in contact with a gasket.
This could cause the sealing property to deteriorate and trigger fuel leaks. Toyota says it is not aware of any fires or injuries caused by the problem.
Problem Could Pose Fire Hazard
The company first began to look into this particular issue in June 2010 after getting a report of gasoline odor coming from a customer’s engine compartment, according to documents posted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Toyota investigated the problem, but did not find the cause until this year. Once the problem was determined, the automaker decided to issue the recall in October.
So far, Toyota and dealers have received six reports from the field and 238 warranty claims about the problem. Dealers will repair the gasket-seating surface at no cost to consumers when the recall begins.
Some of these Lexus luxury vehicles were recalled in 2009 to fix leaks in aluminum fuel pipes.
The Danger of Car Fires
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), approximately one in seven fires in the country is a vehicle fire. Nearly 86 percent of highway vehicle fires occurred in passenger vehicles.
Also 61 percent of highway vehicle fires and 35 percent of fatal highway vehicle fires originated in the engine, running gear and wheel area of the vehicle. The leading cause of highway vehicle fires was mechanical failure (44 percent).
If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle fire caused by a malfunctioning part or a defective vehicle may be able to seek compensation for his or her injuries and losses by filing a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
An experienced auto product liability attorney will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
The Bisnar Chase will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.