Toyota recalls Lexus and Crown vehicles

Toyota Motor Corp, the world's largest automaker, has started recalling 91,903 luxury Lexus and Crown vehicles in Japan and totaling about 270,000 vehicles globally as they installed defective 4.6-litre V8 and 3.5-litre V6 engines in eight top line models i.e. Lexus GS350, GS450h, GS460, IS350, LS460, LS600h and LS600hL as well as Crown sedans and some Hybrids models.

A company spokesperson said on July 01, 2010 that they would also recall 180,000 units of same model sold abroad due to some problem with a valve spring in the engine causing an unusual sound or making idling unstable, accelerator pedals, floor mats and brakes, which tarnished its reputation for safety and quality.

According the some news papers reported last week "This recall may detriment the carmaker around $228 million (20 billion yen)" but Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi declined to comment on the probable cost.