Lexus Announces Voluntary Safety Recall for 2006-2012 IS Models
Lexus USA has announced a voluntary safety recall for the 2006-2012 IS.
Kevin · January 30th, 2013
Latest News
Details on the Lexus Autonomous Driving Research Vehicle
At a press conference today in Las Vegas, Lexus general manager Mark Templin officially announced the Advanced Active Safety Research Vehicle (AASRV) packed with advanced automated technologies meant to assist the driver.
Kevin · January 7th, 2013
Lexus Previews Self-Driving Research Vehicle
In advance of its official debut on Monday in Las Vegas, Lexus has released a (very) short clip of their new autonomous research vehicle.
Kevin · January 4th, 2013
Lexus Fined by NHTSA for Delayed 2010 RX Recall
Lexus will pay a fine of $17.4 million to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for its delay in issuing a safety recall on the 2010 RX.
Kevin · December 18th, 2012
Lexus to Replace Interior Trunk Releases in 2007-2013 ES, 2006-2012 IS & 2013 GS
According to Consumer Reports, Lexus is expected to announce a customer service campaign to fix the emergency trunk release in the 2007-2013 Lexus ES, 2006-2012 Lexus IS, and 2013 Lexus GS.
Kevin · December 12th, 2012
2013 Lexus ES 350 & ES 300h Receive Five Star Safety Rating from NHTSA
The 2013 Lexus ES 350 & ES 300h have been awarded a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Kevin · December 6th, 2012
Lexus Testing Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Safety Technology
Lexus is developing safety technology that will allow vehicles to communicate and co-ordinate with its surroundings, including other vehicles and even the road.
Kevin · November 12th, 2012
Video Demonstration of Lexus LS Advanced Pre-Collision System
If the new LS's advanced pedestrian safety technology detects a potential collision, the car can be brought to a complete stop at speeds up to 24 mph.
Kevin · November 9th, 2012
2013 Lexus ES 350 & ES 300h Named IIHS Top Safety Pick
The 2013 Lexus ES 350 & ES 300h have earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award, with good performance in moderate overlap frontal, side, rollover and rear impact evaluations.
Kevin · October 3rd, 2012
2012 Lexus IS 250 & ES 350 Included in New IIHS Crash Test Results
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the USA has introduced a new crash safety test simulating an off-center accident, and the results after testing eleven mid-size luxury automobiles were not good.
Kevin · August 14th, 2012
2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Recalled for Steering Issue
Lexus has announced a voluntary safety recall for the 2013 GS 350 F Sport that affects approximately 650 owners.
Kevin · May 17th, 2012
Lexus CT 200h Wins Top Safety Award in Japan
The Lexus CT 200h has earned the Grand Prix award for highest safety performance among all vehicle models rated under the Japan New Car Assessment Program.
Kevin · April 26th, 2012
2013 Lexus GS Named IIHS Top Safety Pick
The Institute for Highway Safety has named the 2013 Lexus GS as a Top Safety Pick after the sedan received a "Good" ranking in front, side, rear impact, and rollover crash tests.
Kevin · April 11th, 2012
Lexus Tops 2012 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study
After finishing second last year, Lexus has taken the top spot in the 2012 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.
Kevin · February 15th, 2012
Lexus CT 200h & RX 350/450h Named Top Safety Picks
The 2012 Lexus CT 200h and RX 350/450h have earned Top Safety Pick awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Kevin · December 16th, 2011
Lexus CT 200h Demonstrates the Importance of Winter Tires
Last night was the first snowfall in my area, so it's a good time to feature this video from Yokohama demonstrating the importance of winter tires, using a Lexus CT 200h as the example vehicle.
Kevin · December 9th, 2011
Lexus Engineering Amazing Commercial: Light
For the latest commercial in their *Engineering Amazing* campaign, Lexus brings some much deserved attention to their super-advanced crash-test dummies
Kevin · September 2nd, 2011
MotherProof Reviews the 2011 Lexus ES 350
I've always been a big fan of MotherProof for their unique focus on cars that work for families, so I'm happy to be able to link to their latest review of the 2011 Lexus ES 350.
Kevin · August 4th, 2011
Lexus 360 Safety Commercial Featuring LX 570, GX 460 & RX 350
I enjoyed this clever commercial advertising the many safety features of the Lexus LX 570, GX 460, & RX 350.
Kevin · June 8th, 2011
Lexus CT 200h Receives “Top Safety Pick” Rating from IIHS
Following news of a 5-star safety rating in Europe, the Lexus CT 200h has also been named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the USA.
Kevin · May 27th, 2011
Lexus CT 200h Awarded Five-Star Safety Rating in Europe
The Lexus CT 200h has been awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, scoring 94% in occupant safety.
Kevin · May 26th, 2011
Lexus Recalls 06-07 GS 350 & 06-09 IS 250/350 Over Fuel Pressure Sensor
Lexus has announced a voluntary safety recall on the select 2006-2007 GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250, & 2006-2008 IS 350 models due to the possibility of a loose fuel pressure sensor — from the Lexus USA press release: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving …
Kevin · January 26th, 2011
Lexus Builds Massive Driving Simulator
Lexus has created a new, extremely sophisticated simulator that fully mimics the driving experience: It’s hard to imagine what something of this magnitude would have cost, but as a way to gather precise data on otherwise dangerous driving experiences, it’s essentially priceless. Along with this commercial, a longer, more detailed explanation of the driving simulator …
Kevin · October 11th, 2010
Lexus Family Safety Camp
Lexus recently held an event in California for parents to learn more about Lexus safety and get a chance to experience the different first-hand: Hardly something to get the enthusiast blood going, but important nonetheless. From the video, you can see everything was explained in plain english, with almost no technical talk, making for an …
Kevin · June 29th, 2010
Lexus HS 250h Recalled Over Crash Test Fuel Leak
Lexus has issued a recall and stop sale on the HS 250h after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that too much gasoline leaks in a rear-impact test. The recall, which will affect 17,000 vehicles in the USA, is a result of a test that involves striking the vehicle with a deformable barrier from …
Kevin · June 25th, 2010
2010 Lexus RX Awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick Award
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2010 Lexus RX its TOP SAFETY PICK award. This designation recognizes the RX for earning the highest possible rating for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection, along with being equipped with electronic stability control, which is standard. Read the IIHS Annoucement
Kevin · May 25th, 2010
Lexus Straight Talk about Safety
Lexus Magazine has an interview with Charles Hubbard & Paul Williamsen of Lexus College, the company’s technical training center, about the various safety systems that Lexus uses in their vehicles. It’s just a quick overview, but I thought this question says it all: LEXUS: First of all, we can’t have a discussion about safety without …
Kevin · May 13th, 2010
Consumer Reports Removes Lexus GX 460 Safety Warning
Consumer Reports has lifted its Don’t Buy: Safety Risk rating on the Lexus GX 460 after testing the stability control software update — from the press release: CR contacted the Lexus dealership from which they had anonymously bought the vehicle and made an appointment to have the recall work performed. The work took about an …
Kevin · May 7th, 2010
Updated Lexus GX 460 Resumes Sales and Production
Today Lexus announced that the Vehicle Stability Control update for the 2010 GX 460 is now available at all U.S. and Canadian dealerships. Dealers have begun contacting owners to set up service appointments for the software fix, and most should receive messages within the next week. Concurrently, sales of the GX 460 are resuming, as …
Kevin · April 29th, 2010
Lexus GX 460 Recall Remedy Demonstration
Lexus Japan has released a video demonstrating the stability control update: This video was accompanied by a press release which details the exact circumstances that caused the stability control issues discovered by Consumer Reports last week: The following conditions combine to cause the problem: In the GX 460 and Land Cruiser Prado, heavy components, such …
Kevin · April 20th, 2010
Lexus GX 460 Recall Announced
In response to last week’s Consumer Reports warning of the GX 460’s handling during a high-speed test, today Lexus announced a voluntary recall of all 9,400 2010 model year GX 460s sold to date. These models will receive a software update to the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. Quoting from the press release: The VSC …
Kevin · April 19th, 2010
More on the Consumer Reports Lexus GX 460 Test
Various new details today in the continuing story of the Lexus GX 460 & Consumer Reports—here’s some articles of interest: ***** By way of TTAC, Japan’s Nikkei Daily is reporting that Lexus has a solution has been found to the oversteer exhibited by the GX 460 in the Consumer Reports test, and involves a reflash …
Kevin · April 15th, 2010
More on Lexus Visit to the Consumer Reports Test Track
The Wall Street Journal has followed up on Toyota’s visit to the Consumer Reports test track: …engineers went to Consumer Reports testing track in Connecticut to try to see what the magazine’s auto engineers had found. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, canceling the opportunity for testing. In addition, the Consumer Reports tester informed the …
Kevin · April 14th, 2010
Autoblog Analyzes GX 460 Consumer Reports Test
Autoblog resident car engineering writer, Sam Abuelsamid, has posted an analysis of the Lexus GX 460 and the recent Consumer Reports test which led to a warning and the current sales stoppage. Of two emergency handling tests the GX 460 was subjected to, it passed the first, which was a double lane change to evaluate …
Kevin · April 14th, 2010
Consumer Reports Issues 2010 Lexus GX 460 Safety Warning
Consumer Reports has issued a safety warning on the 2010 Lexus GX 460 after standard testing revealed the SUV’s electronic stability control struggled to keep the vehicle from sliding during high speed cornering—this video illustrates the consumer magazine’s findings: Here’s details on the test and the potential safety risk: In the test, as the vehicle …
Kevin · April 13th, 2010
Lexus Hybrid Braking Safety Video
In response to media stories of vehicle acceleration, Lexus has released this video clarifying the stopping procedure for hybrid models: From this video, it is made clear that: 1) All Lexus hybrids have a brake override system, which cuts power to the engine when the accelerator and brake pedals are simultaneously pressed. 2) Lexus vehicles …
Kevin · March 31st, 2010
Lexus J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Results
J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of its annual Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) for 2010. In the study, Lexus took third position in a tie with Buick, earning an average score of 115 problems per 100 vehicles. Just ahead was Lincoln (114), moving up from seventh last year, and taking the lead was …
Kevin · March 18th, 2010
Lexus HS 250h “Good” in IIHS Frontal Crash Test
In the latest round of crash safety tests conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the Lexus HS 250h has received the agency’s highest rating of “Good” on its first evaluation, the frontal offset crash test. In this test, vehicles are accelerated towards a barrier at 40 mph. Approximately 40 percent of the …
Kevin · March 10th, 2010
Lexus: The Pursuit Continues…
A new Lexus commercial today—this one with a focus on quality and a return to the classic “Pursuit of Perfection” tagline: This commercial leads to a new section on the Lexus USA website devoted to quality control & safety, and includes videos of the RX 350 manufacturing process at the Cambridge Ontario plant and how …
Kevin · March 10th, 2010
Lexus Ranks #1 in JD Power’s Customer Service Index
J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of its annual Customer Service Index Study (CSI), and Lexus was again the top-ranked luxury brand, plus the #1 brand overall in customer service. According to J.D. Power: The study examines satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a service department for maintenance or repair work. The CSI …
Kevin · February 24th, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
I wanted to take this opportunity to wish all of my American readers a warm and plentiful Thanksgiving! Please drive safe if you have travels ahead of you, and enjoy this time with your family over the holiday weekend. All the best, Kevin Watts, Editor, The Lexus Enthusiast.
Kevin · November 26th, 2009
Lexus ES 350 & IS 250/350 Recall Announced
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 …
Kevin · November 25th, 2009
Lexus Temporary Safety Recall Solution Announced
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 …
Kevin · October 8th, 2009
Lexus ES & IS to be Recalled over Floor Mats
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 …
Kevin · September 29th, 2009
2010 Lexus RX Named IIHS Top Safety Pick
The 2010 Lexus RX has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), along with the 2009 Audi Q5, 2009 Toyota Venza, and 2009 Volkswagen CC. To be given this top safety mark, vehicles must rank as Good in front, side and rear impacts, as well as being equipped …
Kevin · June 17th, 2009
Lexus RX 450h Commercial from Canada
Last up is a Lexus RX 450h commercial from Canada, which also manages to feature a canine (however brief): Strange that it’s taken me so long to post this, considering that I’ve seen this commercial repeatedly over the last month or so. Filmed in Vancouver, the song is Clair de Lune by Debussy. I’m always …
Kevin · April 7th, 2009
Lexus J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Results
J.D. Power has published the results of their latest Vehicle Dependability Study, and for the first time since its inclusion, Lexus did not place first, coming in third behind Buick and Jaguar. The study looks at the problems per vehicle for the 2006 model year and the problems encountered over the first three years of …
Kevin · March 19th, 2009
Lexus Launches LX 570 Driver Empowered Mini-Site
Mentioned in the Lexus’ LX 570 marketing presentation, the Driver Empowered LX mini-site is now live. The site’s jam-packed with video footage extolling the SUV’s capabilities. Of particular note is the 360° tour, which manages to inject an infusion of character and presence that has been lacking in images seen so far. An interesting sidebar, …
Kevin · January 8th, 2008
Lexus Customer Service Examples
Nancy Fein, Lexus’ Vice-President of Customer Services, recently gave a talk at the Source Media Customer Engagement Symposium, where she discussed how Lexus reacts when things go wrong. Bill Taylor, co-founder of Fast Company and business author, was at the event and recapped the presentation: …what happens when big dreams get mugged by reality? That’s …
Kevin · December 17th, 2007
Lexus LS 460 Lane Keep Assist Video Demonstration
The Lane Keep Assist feature, which effectively locks you into a highway lane, may only available on the European & Asian Lexus LS, but it’s incredibly effective, at least in the context of this video: I’m of two minds with this feature. You can never discount added safety, but the movement towards automated driving makes …
Kevin · December 16th, 2007
CNet Reviews Lexus LS 460 Technology
No doubt it’s a little old, but this video from CNet detailing the technology in the LS 460 is quite entertaining: Being such a fan of the LS 460, I didn’t even get bored during the inevitable parking assist demonstration.
Kevin · December 7th, 2007
2008 Lexus LX 570 can see around corners
The 2008 Lexus LX 570 is packed to the gills with some very interesting new technology, including a camera that gives the driver a full 180-degree view of what’s in front of the vehicle, effectively letting you look around corners. There’s a passenger-side camera that points down, as well, and when combined with the rear …
Kevin · November 29th, 2007
Video of the Toyota Driving Simulator
A video demonstration of the Toyota Driving Simulator has been posted on Youtube: Bit disappointed they didn’t show any virtual accidents. I know the simulator was built to examine potential safety features, but with that music in the background, they could probably test the driving characteristics of someone going insane. (Thanks Dan!)
Kevin · November 28th, 2007
Lexus Issues Recall of 2006 GS 300, IS 250 & IS 350
Lexus has announced a recall of the 2006 editions of the GS 300, IS 250 and the IS 350, in regards to a problem with the fuel pipe design. Over time, a crack may form in fuel pipes located in the engine compartment, the company said today in a statement. The problem is blamed on …
Kevin · November 28th, 2007
Toyota Builds New Driving Simulator
Toyota has built a new driving simulator at their Higashifuji Technical Center in Japan, and it looks straight out of science fiction. Inside the 15-foot-high, 23-foot-wide sphere is a Lexus IS attached to an elaborate rail system and surrounded by a 360-degree video screen that displays a virtual driving environment: The internal surrounding sides of …
Kevin · November 27th, 2007
A Look at the Lexus LS 600h/L’s Driver Monitoring System
When released next month, the Lexus LS 600hL will be equipped with a group of technologies, collectively dubbed the Driver Monitoring System, that takes automotive safety to an entirely new level. From the Lexus press release: The system uses an algorithm to map the position of the driver’s facial features and monitors movement of the …
Kevin · September 8th, 2007
Federal Government Continues Lexus ES 350 Investigation
The U.S. federal government is continuing its investigation into the Lexus ES 350, which has been linked to 40 separate complaints of unintended acceleration, causing eight crashes and twelve injuries. What’s the cause? All-weather floor mats: Toyota Motor Corp. told NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Association] it sent a mailing to ES 350 owners in …
Kevin · August 15th, 2007
The High Cost of Low Impact Collisions
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released a report today to bring attention to the rather high cost of low-impact collisions in luxury automobiles. To illustrate their point, each of the test cars were subjected to four low-impact impacts: full front and rear collision, and front and rear side collisions. The damage was then …
Kevin · August 2nd, 2007