[July 5, 2010, Beijing] Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. has announced the recall of some imported Lexus LS vehicles (including LS460, LS460L and LS600hL), a result of a defect in the engine's valve springs, beginning July 19th, 2010. The production dates of the affected vehicles are: 2006/9/5 – 2008/7/2 (LS460), 2006/9/5 – 2008/8/1 (LS460L) and 2007/7/3 – 2008/8/21 (LS600hL). According to TMCI's calculations, 5,791 units in mainland China will be involved in the recall.

The defect is due to some minute foreign material that may have contaminated the engine's valve springs in certain imported Lexus LS460, LS460L and LS600hL vehicles. As a result, the contamination could lower the springs' strength or even damage the springs, potentially leading to the occurrence of abnormal engine noise or idling. In extremely rare instances, the engine may stop while the vehicle is in operation, thus posing a safety risk. TMCI will replace the engine's valve springs of the affected vehicles with improved springs at no charge.

TMCI will send notification letters directly to owners of the vehicles involved. Owners are requested to contact their local dealer to make an appointment for repairs. As soon as all required spare parts are prepared, qualified technicians will replace the engine's valve springs of the affected vehicles at no charge. Meanwhile, customers are free to contact the Lexus customer service center at 800-810-2772 or 400-810-2772 for more information.