Lexus Stops Selling S.U.V. That Was Called Unsafe

[Omaha Steve]

Source: NY Times

By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN

About 12 hours after Consumer Reports magazine warned consumers that the 2010 Lexus GX 460 sport utility had a dangerous handling problem, the automaker said late Tuesday that would temporarily stop selling the S.U.V.

The carmaker’s actions came after Consumer Reports magazine warned car buyers to avoid the 2010 Lexus GX 460 because the S.U.V. had a handling problem that could lead to a rollover and possibly “serious injury or death.” A “don’t buy” warning is rare for Consumer Reports, but there was no doubt it was necessary, said David Champion, senior director of its auto test division. The litmus test was whether the testers would want their families in the vehicle. The answer was no, he said, so “I wouldn’t want anybody else in it.”

In response, Mark Templin, the group vice president and general manager, said in a statement that Lexus had “asked our dealers to temporarily suspend sales of the 2010 GX 460.”

Mr. Templin said that the carmaker was taking the situation “very seriously” and was determined to identify and correct the issue Consumer Reports identified.”


Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/business/14auto.html?src=busln

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Mark Elias/Bloomberg News

Consumer Reports said the Lexus GX 460 has a problem.

[xultar]

1. They should have stopped selling it cuz it is ugly as hell.

[tomm2thumbs]

11. +1

that cracked me up, big time!

[JuniperLea]

2. All SUVs have a high center of gravity and can roll...

According to the sticker on the visor of my old Blazer... and remember a few years ago, prior to the rash of SUV crashes due to shredded tires, there was the Ford roll-over rash. Over steering, over correction, roll she goes.

[Jackpine Radical]

3. Remember the Suzuki Samurai?

It too had a reputation for flipping with little provocation.

[JuniperLea]

5. Yep... I do remember...

I think it's the nature of the SUV beast. But while Toyota is being bashed, I guess they are going to get hit with everything all over again.

I traded mine in as soon as my kids had their own transportation and didn't need mom to lug their books/bikes/guitars & amps/buddies around any longer. I get 300 miles to the tank now! It's awesome!

[depakid]

6. Suzuki won't even sell my rig in the states

The same characteristics that make it awesome (and fuel efficient) off the road also make it unsuitable for most American drivers, who rarely if ever take their SUV's off the pavement.

[JuniperLea]

7. I think many people on the road shouldn't be...

I see a lot of people who just shouldn't be driving, or at least not driving the vehicle they are currently driving. It's scary out there!

Pretty cool to have an unique ride!

[depakid]

9. We need capable vehicles to go anywhere around these parts

That one's just a stock photo from the web.

Mr. & Ms Depa's ride is lifted, has a bull bar, winch & snorkle for the river crossings. For some strange reason, Aussies aren't real big on building bridges.

[JuniperLea]

10. Why build a bridge?

The Aussie way of crossing sounds so much more interesting!

Proudly, I'm one of the few Americans who took their SUV off road... I would have been a lot more daring had I a winch though! I always thought of getting one.

[localroger]

12. I rented one of those on a vacation in Costa Rica

Fantastic little vehicle, but you do have to be careful. Closest I've ever come to driving a mountain goat.

[dipsydoodle]

16. Issues with Suzukis years ago

in Spain and the Canaries whereby tourists frequently managed to roll them were almost 100% due to drivers driving like complete arseholes.

[JuniperLea]

18. Driving Assholery is what would cause the Lexus to roll too...

I've yet to see an SUV visor on the driver's side without that warning... nature of the beast... drive with caution! I've always thought SUV drivers needed extra training.

[dipsydoodle]

19. Got exactly the same warnings

in my Wrangler Unlimited. Its also got warnings to the effect that the roof is to protect you from the elements - nothing else. I don't make any attempt to drive it like a sports car. :)

[leveymg]

4. Center of gravity is like four feet off the ground. Where's your roll center?

The big wheels and tires just disguise and make the problem worse at the limit. The thing is too tall and heavy. It's a common issue with SUVs.

Drive a car to work, unless you're a Forest Ranger.

[truthisfreedom]

8. In Minnesota when we can easily get a foot or more of snow in one day, cars aren't always the answer

My G-Wagon has saved my butt on many an occasion.

[tomm2thumbs]

13. they were stupid not to get ahead of the story in the first place - they had ample notice

guess they have no idea what they are playing with in customer relations. These are the bells you can't un-ring anytime soon unless you are the one doing the ringing.

[SpartanDem]

14. Shouldn't they be doing this for the 4Runner?

since it is basically the same thing

[dipsydoodle]

15. 4Runner

is/was built on a commercial chassis and may never have been intended to driven in the same way as a car.

Are they still sold as current models anyway ?

edit to add - just searched and found that USA current model bears no resmemblence to what was the UK's 4Runner model years ago which was built on a Hilux chassis - remains firm favorites of surfers over here despite the age of the cars.

[WVRICK13]

17. Do The Current Owners

get a refund? They have a vehicle that they can never sell or trade.