Lexus GX 460 - Consumer Reports Lifts Warning

Consumer Reports has lifted the warning that was placed on the Lexus GX 460 on April 13, 2010 for stability issues that promptly led Lexus to halt sales of the GX 460.

Lexus acted fast and had produced the GX 460 software update after doing some immediate testing. Dealers were performing the update within 2 weeks at dealers all across the US and as of 5/7/2010, Consumer Reports has lifted it’s warning.

Here’s a reaction from Lexus about the recent Consumer Reports decision to lift the warning:

“CR said they made an appointment to have the update performed at the Lexus dealership from which they had anonymously bought the vehicle. Following that, CR stated that their engineers again put the updated 2010 GX 460 through the full series of emergency handling tests. CR said they did not experience any safety concerns with the updated GX 460 in their handling tests.

“Lexus dealers began contacting customers as soon as details for the VSC update were available. Virtually all of them were contacted by their dealers within a few days and an estimated 75 percent of GX vehicles have already been updated. In the process, they’re providing free loaner vehicles, remote repairs, pick-up and delivery service, and fueling and washing customer cars.

Read the full statement at the Toyota USA Newsroom :

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/lexus/2010-lexus-gx-460-passes-consumer-158171.aspx

On April 13, 2010 Lexus announced they would take immediate action when Consumer Reports found the GX 460 stability issue by halting sales while they examined the problem.

April 19th Update – Recall To Perform GX 460 Software Update

“Toyota’s objective is to provide a high level of safety and quality, while meeting or surpassing governmental regulations. Our engineers have conducted tests to confirm the VSC performance issue raised by Consumer Reports, and we are confident this VSC software update addresses the concern,” said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America.

All Lexus dealers will have the VSC software update by the end of April. Once the software update is available at dealerships, vehicle owners are encouraged to bring their 2010 GX 460 to a dealer at their earliest convenience for the update at no cost. The update should take approximately one hour depending on the dealers’ work schedule.

April 20th – Lexus Japan Has Demonstrated The Problem and Solution – Video

Within a week, on April 20, 2010 Lexus Japan released a video demonstrating the problem that Consumer Reports had identified. As you can see in the video, the GX 460 maintains stability after the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) update has been performed.

April 29th – Lexus Update Is Available At Lexus Dealers

“I’m happy to announce that an update for the 2010 GX 460 vehicle stability control system is now available at Lexus dealers nationwide. Our dealers began contacting customers yesterday offering to make arrangements to perform the update, and we expect them to get in touch with most GX owners within one week. With the revision now in place, we are also resuming sales of the 2010 GX 460. We are confident that the update will make the performance of the GX even better for our customers.

So now that the GX 460 is back, take a few minutes to learn more about this sophisticated luxury SUV we covered in December of last year here on our blog.

http://lexusofrenoblog.com/2010-lexus-gx-460-the-all-new-gx-460-is-visionary-luxury-utility-vehicle/

From Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager – Regarding the Lexus GX 460 And Temporary Suspension Of Sales

“For more than 20 years, Lexus has made customer safety and satisfaction our highest priorities. We are taking the situation with the GX 460 very seriously and are determined to identify and correct the issue Consumer Reports identified. At this time we have asked our dealers to temporarily suspend sales of the 2010 GX 460.

Lexus’ extensive vehicle testing provides a good indication of how our vehicles perform and we are confident that the GX meets our high safety standards. Our engineering teams are vigorously testing the GX using Consumer Reports’ specific parameters to identify how we can make the GX’s performance even better.

For any customer who has purchased a 2010 GX 460 and is concerned about driving their vehicle, we will provide a loaner car until a remedy is available.

As always, Lexus is committed to providing our customers with outstanding products and service.

Customers who have any questions or concerns should contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.”

Lexus GX460 Questions & Answers

Q: What models are involved in the stop sale?

A: 2010 Lexus GX 460.

Q: Why is there a stop sale on the 2010 Lexus GX 460? When will the GX 460 go on sale again?

A: Lexus is a prestige brand build on respect for our customers and their safety. Based on this philosophy, we have no other choice than to stop selling the GX until we are confident the safety issue is resolved.

No time table has been set on how quickly we can resolve the issue.

Q: Is it safe for current owners to drive the 2010 Lexus GX 460?

A: Yes. The GX is safe to drive; however, for any customer who have purchased a 2010 GX 460 and are concerned about driving their vehicle, we will provide a loaner car until a remedy is available. Customers should contact their local dealer or the Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800 25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.

Q: Is it safe for consumers to drive previous GX model years?

A: Yes. The previous generation GX is safe to drive

Q: Is Lexus recalling the 2010 Lexus GX 460? Previous GX 470 model years?

A: Lexus will take whatever action is necessary; however, we have not announced a recall.

Q: Why are mechanically similar Lexus and Toyota vehicles not involved in this stop sale?

A: The VSC system is similar to other Lexus/Toyota SUVs ; however, each model is individually tuned based on all the unique characteristics of that vehicle.

Q: What is the remedy?

A: TBD

Q: When will Lexus have a solution to this problem? When can customers get their vehicles fixed?

A: Customer safety and satisfaction remain our highest priorities. We are carefully studying this issue to determine the facts. We investigate various possibilities thoroughly and will continue to take necessary and appropriate measures.

This case as well, we will try to replicate the Consumer Reports test as soon as possible, evaluate the results and determine what appropriate steps need to be taken.

Q: What do I do if I believe I am experiencing the handling issue Consumer Reports described?

A: Customers who have any questions or concerns should contact the Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800 25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987. We recommend customers use their best judgment, drive according to road and weather conditions and posted speed limits and cautions.

Q: How many GX 460 have been sold in the U.S. How many vehicles are on dealership lots in the U.S?

A: Approximately 5,400 2010 GX 460 have been sold in the U.S. Current inventory is at around 1,600 (4/13/2010)

]]> http://lexusofrenoblog.com/lexus-gx-460-statement-consumer-reports-testing-lexus-halts-sales/feed/ 4 http://lexusofrenoblog.com/2010-lexus-gx-460-the-all-new-gx-460-is-visionary-luxury-utility-vehicle/ http://lexusofrenoblog.com/2010-lexus-gx-460-the-all-new-gx-460-is-visionary-luxury-utility-vehicle/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:58:46 +0000 admin http://lexusofrenoblog.com/?p=50

The 2010 Lexus GX 460 is visionary, and the new GX 460 arrives with a design you might simply call finesse.

There are sport utility vehicles and their are luxury utility vehicles, no question the GX 460 is the latter in this case. Lexus engineers took their design to a new level, sophistication and elegance took turns here.

The stance of the GX 460 is wider than before, it looks and feels stable but has only a modest appetite for offroad. The capability for offroad is there when you need it, but ride quality isn’t sacrificed to provide it.

The interior is suitable for the kids, they’ll be all the way in the back row if you let them. Leather steering wheel, wood dash, are all part of the traditional Lexus luxury tone.

Plenty of power to 60mph in 8 secs. Its a 4.6L V8, with a reasonable 15mpg city / 20mpg hwy vs. the previous 4.7L in the 2009 model, netting about a 13% increase in fuel economy.

Lexus made several improvements to the GX 460, it’ll perform gallantly through snow and ice conditions. Every GX model is standard with the advanced Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, you’ll feel the difference.

Notice the controls near the shifter, you can adjust the ride height and select sport or comfort mode. A drive in the GX 460 is as smooth and rhythmic as the optional audio system from Mark Levinson.

Live in the Reno, Carson City or Lake Tahoe area? Let us introduce you to the Lexus GX 460 by filling out our contact form here to test drive the GX 460.

The 2010 GX 460 From Lexus -

The redesigned and reengineered GX 460 builds upon and strengthens Lexus’ reputation of luxury, performance, innovation, and utility. We are pleased to announce that the 2010 redesign elevates the GX’s styling and luxury, while also providing more flexibility, safety, and technology for the discriminating LUV driver.

With its elegant seven-passenger interior, distinctive exterior, strong list of features, and competitive pricing, we are confident the new GX will succeed in keeping Lexus at the forefront of luxury SUV consideration.

The 2010 GX 460 comes with a new 4.6L engine and more power (301 hp; 329 lb-ft torque). The new sixspeed automatic transmission also helps provide 13% better MPG than the previous GX, making it the best-inclass V8 fuel economy and competitive with some six-cylinder models. In addition to this progressive engine, the GX also brings with it some exciting new features all of which are standard for the base model:

Power fold-flat third row
10 airbags (best-in-class)
Second row seatbelt pretensioners
Heated/Ventilated front seats (first in class)
Rear back-up camera with standard 4.2”
screen (does not require Navigation)
Integrated XM® Radio (90-day trial included),
Bluetooth, and iPod/USB
Active front headrests
Significantly upgraded nine speaker audio
Electronic transfer case
Larger 18” wheels
Smart Access
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
Safety Connect™ (Complimentary one-year
trial subscription. See appendix for details.)

The GX is the “right-sized” and most compact (in length) SUV in its segment. The exterior reflects the new L-finesse design aesthetic. The exterior also demonstrates some new key convenience and styling features such as the flip-open rear glass hatch (for easier access to the cargo area), integrated rear door handle, and new standard rear spoiler with hidden wiper.

The GX color palette is also completely revamped and includes two all new exterior colors, Knight’s Armor (gray) and Claret Mica, and three interior colors, Ecru, black, and Sepia (brand new brown).

The 2010 GX interior not only has the new standard power fold-flat third row, but access to the third row has
been made easier via the tilting and sliding 40/20/40 split second row seat. A new center console design offers the driver more storage and functionality including easy to reach iPod and 12-volt outlets.

Vehicles with touchscreen navigation offer these innovative features:

Standard Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect (Complimentary one-year trial subscription. See
appendix for details.)
Complimentary Lexus Insider™
XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather™, XM® Sports & Stocks

Other available in-vehicle offerings include:

17-speaker Mark Levinson audio
Intuitive Parking Assist

And, in keeping with our reputation for top-of-the-line safety features, the GX offers optional:

Wide-view Front and Side Monitor
Pre-Collision with Driver Attention Monitor system
Lane Departure Alert
Intelligent High Beam

While the GX base model comes full of standard luxury amenities, Lexus has also developed a “Premium” model which adds semi-aniline leather, HID with AFS, heated wood steering wheel, heated second row outboard seats, power electrochromic exterior side mirrors with power retract, headlamp cleaners, rear A/C, illuminated front scuff plates, rear air suspension, auto leveler, adaptive variable suspension, and color keyed body side molding.

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