Lexus Announces Safety Recall for Older Models

Greater Boston Lexus Dealer to Provide Information for Owners

WATERTOWN, MASS (07/15/2010)(readMedia)-- Lexus has announced that 139,000 GS, IS and LS vehicles made in model years from 2006 to 2008 are part of a safety recall linked to engine valve springs. Greater Boston Lexus owners should be aware that the springs have the potential to break, causing the car to suddenly lose acceleration or stall.

Lexus will provide free replacement of the valve springs to owners this summer once parts are available. Lexus owners may continue to drive their cars, but they are advised to report any unusual engine noise, engine vibration, loss of acceleration or stalling to their local Lexus dealer.

"There are two important things that Lexus owners should know about this recall," said Vincent Liuzzi, General Manager of Lexus of Watertown, a Greater Boston Lexus dealer. "First, not every vehicle for those model years is affected. Second, there have been no reported accidents or injuries associated with this issue. In fact, the likelihood of an affected Lexus vehicle experiencing spring valve issues is 0.2%."

Lexus plans to mail recall information to owners of cars involved in the recall at the end of July. In the meantime, Lexus of Watertown is offering to perform a free vehicle identification number (VIN) lookup for any area Lexus owner who wants to know the recall status of a vehicle.

"Whether or not a Lexus GS, IS or LS needs this service depends on where it was made. Some of these cars will not be recalled," Liuzzi said. "We have a database of all the recalled cars and can answer your questions right away, based on the VIN number."

Massachusetts Lexus owners are encouraged to call Lexus of Watertown toll-free at 1-888-227-9719 to find out if their cars will be recalled. The VIN number can be found on a tag on the front of the dashboard near the driver's side door. Lexus of Watertown has also created a website, www.lexusrecallcenter.com, to provide information regarding this and other Lexus recalls.

The recall stems from contamination of valve springs that can cause them to weaken and break. Broken springs affect the flow of gases in and out of engine cylinders, which can lead to a loss of power or an engine stall. Lexus models made after August 2008 are not affected, because the springs are made of higher-gauge wire that resists breakage.

Greater Boston Lexus owners who have already paid for valve spring service may be eligible for a refund of the repair cost. Rebate details and an application form will be included in the recall notice, scheduled to be mailed in late July.

About Lexus of Watertown in Watertown, Massachusetts:

Lexus of Watertown is "Boston's Premier Lexus Dealer." They have a huge selection of new 2010 Lexus Models and Certified Pre-Owned Lexus vehicles, in addition to an exemplary service department that keeps customers coming back. Easily accessible from the MetroWest, the North Shore and the South Shore, Lexus of Watertown is just minutes off the Mass Pike between Route 128 and Route 93. For more information, visit them online at www.lexusofwatertown.com, call them at 888.227.9719, or stop by their showroom at 330 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA.