Toyota is initiating another huge recall.
On Wednesday, the Japanese automaker said it is recalling 1.7 million vehicles worldwide, including approximately 245,000 Lexus models sold in the United States. In the US, the models are being recalled because of a potential fuel leak that could cause a fuel odor in the car.
The following models are part of the recall:
* Lexus GS 300/350 (2006 and 2007 models)
* Lexus IS250 (2006 through early 2009 models)
* Lexus IS350 (2006 through early 2008 models)
The flaw in the Lexuses involves a fuel pressure sensor that can come loose. The sensor is connected to a pipe that delivers fuel to the engine, and if it is not sufficiently tight, it may eventually loosen enough to leak fuel. The fix is free to the vehicle owner.
"Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes, there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time," said Toyota in a statement on Wednesday. Owners can contact Lexus Recall in 2011 at 1-800-255-3987.
Toyota also announced a separate recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to fix "a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve," it said. It will also call back 135,000 Toyota Avensis sedans in Europe for possible defects in fuel systems.
This latest recall brings the Toyota global recall total since December 2009 to approximately 12 million vehicles.
