The Catalyst

By Jesse Siddeek, Commentary Editor

The Toyota Motor company recalled their 2010 Lexus GX 460 SUVs. This recall is due to the increased risk of a rollover accident that the model provides. This affects around 9,400 vehicles that are mostly concentrated in the United States. Toyota also recalled the suspension in other countries. This includes the Middle East and Russia, which were the only other markets that the car was available in.

The automaker recently suspended sales of the luxury SUV after a report on Tuesday by the magazine, Consumer Reports. The magazine said that their test drivers exposed a problem during routine tests. The magazine told drivers not to purchase the car until Toyota takes care of the problem.

“The SUV's electronic stability control program failed to keep the vehicle in line during a severe handling maneuver, allowing it to slide almost completely sideways, the magazine said. That situation could lead to a rollover,” stated Consumer Reports spokesman Doug Love.

Toyota stated that the Lexus dealers will update their software that handles the Vehicle’s stability controls. This system electronically controls the car’s brakes and accelerators to help keep the vehicle under control when it has abrupt movements. “

“Lexus dealers will have the program updates by the end of April, at which time owners will be asked to bring their vehicles in for the software to be changed,” Toyota said “The work is expected to take no more than one hour per vehicle.”

Until the problem is solved, Toyota is offering the owners the GX 460 as a loaner vehicle.