Toyota recalls 17,000 2010 Lexus HS 250 h units, stops sales

Toyota announced yesterday that it will be recalling 17,000 Lexus HS 250 h units after a testing conducted by the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration showed that fuel can spill during a rear end crash.

The testing found that fuel leaked during a rear impact crash at 50 miles per hour on a 2010 Lexus HS 250h. Toyota has also stopped sales of the entry-level hybrid sedan.

“We want to assure our customers that their safety and satisfaction are our top priorities,” said Mark Templin,
Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager. “We take the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test results very seriously and appreciate the NHTSA bringing its concerns to our attention.”

Templin said that Toyota engineers conducted similar testing during the development of the new HS 250h and the vehicle performed safely.

“While we are investigating and vigorously working to understand the different test results, we have stopped delivery of the involved vehicle,” Templin said. “As soon as the issue is better understood and/or a remedy is developed, we will contact every owner.”

Refresher: Power for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h comes from 2.4L Atkinson 4-cylinder engine and the Lexus Hybrid Drive System. The drivertrain, mated to a CVT transmission, produces a total of 187-hp. That allows the HS 250h to go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. The hybrid returns an EPA-estimated 35/34 mpg (city/highway) for a combined 35 mpg.

2010 Lexus HS 250h:

– By: Omar Rana