Consumer Reports magazine has categorized the GX 460 SUV model of Lexus as a “safety risk” and that has resulted in Toyota asking its US Lexus dealers to halt the sales of that model.
It has been reported in the magazine that the model has a handling problem that could cause the SUV roll over during sharp turns.
Since the launch of the the SUV in December, Toyota has sold 6000 units of the model. This is fresh hit to Toyota’s already tarnished reputation after it recalled millions of card and trucks on account of faulty gas pedals. This has also resulted in a financial loss by virtue of a fine of $16.4 million, the highest that can be allowed. In addition to the fine the stock prices of the company has also taken a beating and had fallen 16% year on year in January.
The same magazine which is also supposed to have an unbiased opinion had removed the “recommended” rating on eight vehicles due to the faulty gas pedals. The magazine is also read by many buyers before they decide on their cars.
The magazine said the problem occurred during runs on its test track, but it also said it is not aware of any reports of the GX 460 rolling over. It tested two separate vehicles, both of which experienced the problem, but neither rolled over.
The Lexus GX 460 is built on the same platform as that of the 4runner but the magazine said that similar problems did not occur during the tests on the model.
