Lexus ES: 5th Generation News & Information

Toyota has announced the recall of the Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 models to have their accelerator pedals reshaped and/or replaced.

This recall is to be a permanent solution to the risk of unintended acceleration, no matter what floor mat is being used. Starting in early 2010, dealerships will be equipped to reshape the affected pedals by “shaving” a 3/4 inch from the existing pedal, followed by a brand new pedal in April 2010. In the case of the ES 350, the floor surface will also be reshaped.

Both affected Lexus models will be receiving a new brake override system that will cut engine power if both the accelerator and brake pedals are pushed simultaneously.

If you’re affected by this recall, I suggest reading the full press release after the jump.

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Speaking of “behind-the-scenes” and Lexus ES commercials—here’s a real backstage pass to the work that went into creating one of my favorite Lexus commercials. First, the commercial (in poor quality):

Next, here’s the process of creating a real “sliced” ES 350:

The lengths that (Lexus USA advertising agency) Team One goes through to get these commercials just right is astounding—I just can’t believe it wasn’t all done by computer.

Here’s the new commercial for the 2010 Lexus ES 350:

This commercial stays with the look of the latest LS commercial, and has a “behind-the-scenes” feel. Not sure I believe that’s what the Lexus test-facilities look like, though.

(A note: I recently spotted a 2010 ES at my local dealership, and was pleased to see that the new foglight design doesn’t stand out as much as they appeared to in photos. Overall, the changes may be minimal, but they’re tastefully done and upgrade the ES design.)

A temporary solution to the ongoing safety recall affecting the Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 has been announced—according to Automotive News, zip ties will be used to hold down the floor mats until a permanent solution is ready:

“We have reviewed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration what we’re calling a semipermanent floor mat installation process, and we’re providing these instructions to our dealers,” Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons says.

“This allows dealers to continue selling and delivering both new and used vehicles.”

He says the mats are to be secured to the driver’s seat frame with nylon self-locking wire ties, described as plastic straps that loop back into themselves and lock when pulled tight.

Again, the affected models are:

• 2007-2010 ES 350
• 2006-2010 IS 250/IS 350

Dealers have received the recall info, and Lexus will likely begin contacting owners shortly.

***

As an aside—I respect that what happened in California was a tragedy, it’s important to note that it was due to an improper set of floor mats, not the standard equipment ES 350 floor mats.

That said, should unintended acceleration ever happen to you, no matter what car you’re in:

1. First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle.
2. If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do NOT pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.
3. Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
4. If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF, or to ACC. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
5. If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
6. If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.

Update: It wasn’t clear from the Automotive News coverage, but this zip tie solution is only temporary until a permanent solution is ready. Whew!

[Source: Automotive News & Toyota]

The Lexus USA website has been updated to include the 2010 Lexus ES 350, with plenty of photos of the updated sedan—I especially like this image:

Available packages & pricing have also been updated, and I don’t picture it being much longer before the model is available at dealerships.

[Source: Lexus USA Website]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recommendation that 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350 & 2006-2010 Lexus IS 250/IS350 owners remove their drivers side floor mat, which may cause the accelerator to become stuck open under certain conditions:

“This is an urgent matter,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “For everyone’s sake, we strongly urge owners of these vehicles to remove mats or other obstacles that could lead to unintended acceleration.”

NHTSA notes that there continue to be reports of accelerator pedal clearance issues which provide the potential for an accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position. A stuck accelerator may result in very high vehicle speeds and a crash, which could cause serious injury or death.

NHTSA said that Toyota has announced that it will soon launch a safety recall of various model year vehicles to redress the problem. However the safety agency warned owners to remove all driver-side floor mats from the models listed below immediately as an interim safety measure in advance of the recall.

For more information, consumers can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Hotline at 888-327-4236 or the Toyota Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987. Information from Toyota is also posted at http://www.toyota.com and http://www.lexus.com.

The recall, expected some time next week, will affect 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004-2009 Toyota Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350. The estimated total vehicles numbers 3.8 million.

Update: If you’re the owner of one of the vehicles affected, Toyota has published a document showing the exact issue and the best way to test your vehicle.

[Source: NHTSA & Huffington Post]