Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) has initiated a special service campaign for its Lexus luxury brand line to address any risk of fuel tank leakage, offering free part replacement to owners.
In an advisory to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) dated Dec. 6, 2022, TMP said this campaign would cover six Lexus models that had been manufactured between July 12, 2011 and Aug. 31, 2018. These include the GS F, GS350, GS450H, IS350, RCF and RC350 models.
In the Philippine market, Toyota said it had officially sold 808 vehicles that ran the risk of having this problem. In particular, Toyota sold four Lexus GS F units that had been manufactured between Nov. 4, 2015 and Jan. 22, 2016, or within the affected production date.
In addition, during the affected period, there were 48 units of GS350, six units of GS450H, 638 units of IS350, 55 units of RCF and 57 units of RC350 sold locally.
Increased risk
Toyota said these vehicles were equipped with a fuel evaporative emission control unit, also called the fuel tank vent tube assembly that prevents the fuel vapor created in the fuel tank from being released directly into the atmosphere.
“Due to the design of the flange, there is a possibility that a stress-related crack could develop on the exterior surface of the flange,” Toyota’s advisory said, adding that the crack could expand overtime that may lead to a fuel leak.
“Depending on the amount of fuel that escapes from the crack and if it is in the presence of an ignition source, this could increase the risk of a vehicle fire,” it added.
Due to this issue, Toyota said it would replace the fuel tank vent tube assembly free of charge for owners who would bring in their units at its service centers.
Back in September 2022, Toyota also initiated a similar special service campaign for Lexus N350 models whose production period fell within April 5, 2021 to Aug. 22, 2022.
In its advisory to the DTI, the automotive company cited an issue concerning the electronic parking brake feature of the vehicles, causing them to either engage or disengage unintentionally. Due to this, Toyota said the problem could lead to the vehicle rolling away and risking a crash.