Friday, June 29, 2012
Contact: Lynda Tran, 202-366-9550

LEXUS RX350 and RX450 h vEHICLES

WASHINGTON – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the following statement regarding today’s recall of approximately 154,000 model year 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450 H vehicles:

After carefully reviewing the available data—including both consumer complaints and information provided by the manufacturer—NHTSA requested that Toyota conduct an immediate recall of model year 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450 H vehicles for a serious safety issue involving potential pedal entrapment by the floor mat. Based on its evaluation, the agency does not currently believe the issue involves additional vehicles beyond those indicated as part of the recall.

NHTSA approached Toyota regarding this issue late last month after the agency observed an increase in consumer complaints and other reports regarding pedal entrapment in these vehicles. When Toyota confirmed last week that it had received a significant volume of complaints on the same issue, NHTSA asked the manufacturer to conduct a recall. NHTSA is requesting additional documentation from the manufacturer and is considering opening an investigation into whether Toyota met its obligation to notify the agency and conduct a recall in a timely manner.

NHTSA urges consumers impacted by the recall to immediately remove the floor mat and have their vehicles serviced promptly. While NHTSA anticipates the remedy proposed by Toyota will address the problem, the agency will continue to monitor the issue and will take appropriate action as warranted.

 

NHTSA urges consumers impacted by the recall to immediately remove the floor mat and have their vehicles serviced promptly. While NHTSA anticipates the remedy proposed by Toyota will address the problem, the agency will continue to monitor the issue and will take appropriate action as warranted.

Thursday, June 14, 2012
Contact: Karen Aldana, 202-366-9550

Auto safety agency urges riders not to wear 5X5/SA-08 helmets sold by Tank Sports, Inc.

 

WASHINGTON – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today urged motorcyclists not to wear the 5X5 brand, SA-08 model motorcycle helmet because it fails to meet the head protection requirements of the federal safety standard for helmets. As many as 14,000 5X5/SA-08 helmets were imported and sold by Tank Sports, Inc., of California, which declared bankruptcy without completing a recall requested by NHTSA.

While NHTSA believes that none of the 5X5/SA-08 helmets are currently being offered for sale in the U.S., there may be some motorcyclists who are continuing to use them. Under federal testing, the helmets failed to meet the penetration protection requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Both the outer shell and the inner liner in three out of four helmets were penetrated in safety tests conducted by NHTSA.

NHTSA has received no consumer complaints regarding the 5X5/SA-08 model and the agency is not aware of any deaths or injuries involving the helmets. However NHTSA advises motorcyclists to discard these helmets immediately and not to use them while riding.

NHTSA reminds riders to always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and other protective gear. Helmets in particular are highly effective in reducing fatalities and injuries — saving the lives of more than 1,500 motorcyclists in 2010 alone.

Consumers can view the results of NHTSA’s compliance tests of these helmets here.