Lexus Philippines recalls 31 units of LS 500 over engine issue

MANILA: Lexus Motors Philippines has announced a recall of 31 units of LS 500 model over a faulty start-stop system. The recalled units of the full-size luxury sedan were manufactured between December 19, 2017, and June 28, 2018.

The Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has released an official statement to notify the owners of the 31 affected LS 500. Also. TMP has invited them to bring their cars to Lexus Manila, the Lexus dealer in the Philippines.

Based on the official statement by TMP, the models are recalled to re-program the faulty start-stop system. The V-aligned six-cylinder twin-turbo engine of the LS 500 has a start-stop system that stops and restarts the ignition automatically to reduce harmful emissions and fuel consumption. The engine controls of these models were programmed incorrectly.

Reportedly, there is another problem with the recalled units. In certain situations, due to the incorrect programming, the engine control which could restrict the required air taken in when the car accelerates from its stationary position, resulting in the stalling.

As per Toyota Motors Philippines, under its preventive measure, the company will re-correct the model’s engine control system at no extra cost. There will be a special service campaign to manage the whole work.

The Lexus LS 500 has a 3.5-litre V6 engine that can churn out a maximum power of 416 PS at 6,000 rpm, along with a peak torque of 600 Nm, which comes at just 1,600 rpm. A 10-speed gearbox manages the power transmission to the wheel. The luxury sedan can hit a top speed of 250 kmph and can get to the 0-100 kmph acceleration in just five seconds.

For the safety system, it has a plethora of airbags for all the occupants, ABS, with electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist. The cabin gets a four-zone automatic climate control.