Recall wrap: Global engine recall for Lexus LX hits Oz

A major recall affecting new Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold overseas has finally hit Australia, where the Lexus LX 600 has now been called back to head off potential engine failure in the full-size luxury off-road SUV.

Today’s nationwide product safety recall comes after more than 100,000 examples of the Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX were recalled in the US earlier this month after it was discovered that the Japanese auto giant’s latest V6 petrol engine wasn’t properly cleaned of manufacturing debris during the production process, potentially causing premature bearing failure in some cases.

Now 184 examples of the latest Lexus LX 600, which was released in Australia in April 2022 and is powered by the same 3.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 (V35A), have been recalled locally.

Lexus says the manufacturing window for affected vehicles sold Down Under includes all units built between December 1, 2021 and October 31, 2022, and covers all variants from the base-spec LX 600 to the LX 600 F Sport, LX 600 Sports Luxury and the LX 600 Ultra Luxury flagship.

The diesel-powered LX 500d is not affected by the recall and no Toyota vehicles are currently involved in Australia.

According to Lexus Australia, a manufacturing defect makes it possible for engine machining debris to contaminate the engine.

“This could lead to potential engine knocking, rough running and/or stalling during operation causing a loss of motive power,” says the recall notice.

In a statement, Lexus Australia said: “For engines impacted, there may be additional pressure on the main bearings due to the debris adhering to the bearings.

“This, combined with operation of the engine at higher loads over time, may cause a failure of the bearings.”

Lexus says it is working on a remedy for affected vehicles – click here for a full VIN list to see if your LX 600 is involved – however, replacement parts are not yet available and the Japanese car-maker says it will contact affected owners to organise free rectification when a fix has been confirmed.

In the meantime, Lexus Australia says affected customers can still drive their vehicles until then, and encourages customers with additional questions or concerns to contact their local dealer.

It’s worth noting that the incoming 2024 Lexus GX 550 (the luxury version of the next-gen Toyota Prado) is also powered by the same twin-turbo V6, but it’s unclear whether any of those vehicles are affected.

First deliveries of the new Lexus GX have been delayed from their original expected arrival earlier this month. We’ve reached out to Lexus Australia for an update on the situation and will update this story when it responds.

In other recall news this week, 94 examples of the Lamborghini Urus high-performance SUV have been hit with a safety recall due to a potentially lethal bonnet malfunction.

The Italian car-maker says the hood (bonnet) latch striker rivet studs may have been assembled with insufficient deformation.

This means that at high speeds small gaps between the hood and front bumper could develop, which could potentially cause the latch system to fail and allow the bonnet to open abruptly or even detach from the vehicle.

Both trim grades of the current Urus – the base Urus S and the top-spec Urus Performante – are affected by the recall, and Lambo is asking the owners of affected vehicles to contact their local authorised dealer to replace the bonnet latch striker rivet studs, free of charge.

You can visit the federal government’s Vehicle Recalls website to see if your Urus is involved in the recall.

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