NHTSA Statement on Toyota Recall of MY 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450 H vehicles

Topics:  Lexus RX 350, Lexus RX 450 H

NHTSA
June 29, 2012

For Immediate Release
Friday, June 29, 2012
Contact: Lynda Tran, 202-366-9550

WASHINGTON – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the following statement regarding today’s recall of approximately 154,000 model year 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450 H vehicles:

After carefully reviewing the available data—including both consumer complaints and information provided by the manufacturer—NHTSA requested that Toyota conduct an immediate recall of model year 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450 H vehicles for a serious safety issue involving potential pedal entrapment by the floor mat. Based on its evaluation, the agency does not currently believe the issue involves additional vehicles beyond those indicated as part of the recall.

NHTSA approached Toyota regarding this issue late last month after the agency observed an increase in consumer complaints and other reports regarding pedal entrapment in these vehicles. When Toyota confirmed last week that it had received a significant volume of complaints on the same issue, NHTSA asked the manufacturer to conduct a recall. NHTSA is requesting additional documentation from the manufacturer and is considering opening an investigation into whether Toyota met its obligation to notify the agency and conduct a recall in a timely manner.

NHTSA urges consumers impacted by the recall to immediately remove the floor mat and have their vehicles serviced promptly. While NHTSA anticipates the remedy proposed by Toyota will address the problem, the agency will continue to monitor the issue and will take appropriate action as warranted.