Recalled in the US: 2003-2007 Lexus LX470

Poor Akio Toyoda.

It must've been a great honour to be elected Chief Executive Officer of a company that bears his family name. Too bad he's had to spend most of his time defending said company's™honour.

In yet another blow to Toyota's reputation, they've issued a voluntary recall for 39,000 2003 - 2007 Lexus LX470's over its steering shaft. They discovered that it could™collapse™if you hit too large a pothole.

In Mr. Toyoda's defence, this car was made under his predecessor's watch.

To quote the press release; "Lexus has determined that the construction of the steering shaft on involved LX 470s is such that the snap ring on the shaft may disengage when the vehicle experiences an unusually severe impact to the front wheels, such as striking a deep pothole. If the snap ring becomes disengaged and the steering wheel is then repeatedly turned to the full locked position, the steering shaft may disengage over time.

Lexus is not aware of any accidents related to this condition."

The recall will officially begin in mid-August. At which time, owners of effected vehicles can have a new snap ring along, with "an additional component" installed free of charge.

No wonder Honda's been selling so many cars lately.