World Business

Toyota halts US sales of Lexus LS sedan

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-05-25 13:26

Toyota Motor Corp, the world's largest carmaker, halted US sales of its flagship $65,000 Lexus luxury sedan that was recalled last week until a fix for a steering flaw is found.

Related readings:  Toyota to recall 818 Lexus in China over faulty steering system  Toyota recalls 9,400 Lexus in N America  Toyota to repair stability control systems in Lexus GX 460 SUVs  Toyota halts Lexus SUV sales after safety warning

The company said May 21 it would recall 3,800 of its model 2009 and early 2010 LS 460 and LS 600h L sedans to fix an "off- center" steering-wheel condition that can develop during certain driving maneuvers. Toyota isn't aware of any deaths or injuries related to the problem and has received one US complaint, said Bill Kwong, a company spokesman.

"Until there's a fix, we can't sell the vehicle," said Kwong, based in Torrance, California. The Toyota City, Japan- based company doesn't yet know when repairs of the vehicles will begin, he said.

Toyota is working to revamp its image after recalling more than 8 million vehicles worldwide in the past year for problems linked to unintended acceleration. Toyota President Akio Toyoda said in an interview on May 20 that the company is more focused on its customers and their safety as a result of the recalls.

Toyota said May 19 it was recalling 11,500 Lexus vehicles worldwide for the problem.