How’s this to ring in the new year? 245,000 Lexus vehicles in the US are being recalled, due to faulty installation of the fuel pressure sensor. The recall includes a mix of 2006-2009 IS and GS models, detailed after the jump. No mention of fires, which usually accompany a recall of this sort, but fuel leakage is no laughing matter regardless of whether or not it leads to a fire.
Click past the jump for a better description of the problem, a table of recalled vehicles, Toyota’s press release and Customer FAQ.
The problem stems from a loose installation of the fuel pressure sensor, which over time, may loosen some more, leading to a fuel leak at the connection point between the sensor and the fuel line.
2006 Lexus GS 300
Toyota will be mailing out the recall notices to affected owners once they’ve gathered the needed parts. The inspection/fix will involve checking the connection, and if no leak is found, then the proper tightening will take place. If a leak is found, the gasket between the fuel line and the sensor will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened to the proper torque specification.
The fix will take between one and three hours, depending on if the gasket needs to be replaced, at no charge to Lexus customers.
Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250 and 2006-2008 IS 350 Vehicles to Inspect the Fuel Pressure Sensor Installation
Toyota Motor Corporation announces separate recall involving certain vehicles not sold in North America
TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.
Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and if no leakage is found, will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail once the parts that may be needed have been obtained. Lexus will also post this information on its website. Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced a separate recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve. TMC’s recall announcement does not involve vehicles sold in North America.
Customer FAQ for Lexus IS and GS Fuel Pressure Sensor Recall
1. Which models are involved in the recall?
Toyota is recalling approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006 through early 2009 IS250 and 2006 through early 2008 IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. No other vehicles are involved in this recall.
2. What is the condition?
Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe, there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe.
3. Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?
There are no warnings that this condition will occur. However, if fuel is leaking from the fuel pressure sensor, in some instances a fuel odor may be noticed from the engine compartment.
4. What is Lexus going to do?
Lexus is currently preparing the parts that may be needed. Once the parts are ready, owners of the involved vehicles will receive a Safety Recall Notification by first class mail.
5. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will I have to pay any money out of pocket for this repair?
This repair will be performed at no charge to the customer.
6. How long will it take for the dealer to inspect my vehicle?
The inspection and tightening of the fuel pressure sensor to the proper torque will take approximately one hour. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the replacement of the gasket and tightening the sensor to the proper torque will take approximately three hours. However, depending upon the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.
7. What should owners do if they experience the condition, or have immediate concerns about their vehicle?
If an owner has any immediate concerns, he or she is requested to contact a local Lexus dealer for diagnosis, and if applicable, repair.
