Toyota recalls 1.7M vehicles for fuel leaks
Most of the vehicles, nearly 1.3 million, are being recalled in Japan.
But it covers 245,000 2006-07 Lexus GS300/350, 2006-09 Lexus IS250 and 2006-08 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the United States to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation. Most of the vehicles being recalled – 177,000 – are IS models.
Toyota said because of insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes — those with nickel phosphorus plating — there is a possibility the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Toyota said dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage, and if none is found, will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Toyota told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it has been studying the issue in the United States since March 2009, when it received a report of a "fuel odor coming from the engine area of a subject vehicle after driving."The company received a second report in July 2009 from a dealer that showed fuel odor from the engine and later other reports "but could find no abnormalities in any of the parts."After testing during most of last year, Toyota eventually determined the cause of possible problems.
Toyota said the other recall was to fix a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high-pressure fuel pump check valve.