Toyota starts special service campaign for Lexus models

MANILA, Philippines — Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) has started a special service campaign for the fuel tank vent tube assembly replacement on multiple models of its Lexus brand due to potential fuel leak, according to its advisory.

“In line with its corporate commitment to product safety and quality, Toyota has initiated a special service campaign for the fuel vent tube assembly replacement on multiple models,” TMP first vice president for customer service operations Bernadino Arevalo told the Department of Trade and Industry-Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) in a letter.

The production period of the affected vehicles is from July 12, 2011 to August 31, 2018.

“In the Philippine market, the special service campaign shall cover (a) total of 808 officially sold vehicles,” Arevalo said.

Among the vehicles include four GS F units produced from Nov. 4, 2015 to Jan. 22, 2016; 48 GS350 units produced from Jan. 24, 2012 to Mar. 2, 2018; six GS450h units produced from Mar. 21, 2012 to June 6, 2017; and 638 IS350 units produced from April 22, 2013 to Aug. 1, 2018.

The campaign also covers 55 RC F units produced from Sept. 24, 2014 to Oct. 2016, and 57 RC350 units produced from Sept.12, 2014 to June 20, 2018.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with a fuel evaporative emission control unit (fuel tank vent tube assembly) that is attached to the fuel tank by a flange. The fuel tank vent tube assembly prevents the fuel vapor that is created in the fuel tank from being released directly into the atmosphere,”Arevalo said.

“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.The crack could expand over time and depending on the size of the crack, could eventually allow fuel to leak from the crack. 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,”he said.

He said the company would replace the fuel tank vent tube assembly to vehicle owners free of charge.

Meanwhile, in a separate advisory posted on the DTI’s website yesterday, Swedish furniture retailer Ikea Philippines issued a product recall for its Odger swivel chair in anthracite color due to reported incidents of fall and injury.

“Safety is a top priority for IKEA and therefore we are recalling the affected Odger swivel chair in anthracite color to protect the Filipino consumers from potential risks,” Ikea Philippines public affairs and purchase request and commitment manager Christina Enriquez said.