Lexus LX, GX engine fix announced amid global recall
Lexus Australia is rolling out a remedy for the twin-turbo V6 petrol engine in the GX and LX, impacting almost 800 vehicles locally and 100,000 vehicles worldwide.
A mass recall of the ‘V35A’ twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 petrol engine under the bonnet of the Lexus GX550 and LX600 – plus the Toyota Tundra – has led to the local division Lexus rolling out a fix for the fault.
In July 2024, Toyota and Lexus’ US divisions announced more than 100,000 vehicles powered by the V35A engine were impacted, after it found machining debris could lead to a loss of power.
The fault doesn’t affect the hybrid versions of the engine – found in the Australian-delivered Tundra, LX700 and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series hybrid – but Lexus Australia announced a recall of 789 GX550s and LX600s in November last year, saying it was working on a fix for the fault.
This week, Lexus Australia has "confirmed a remedy process for the involved vehicles", giving owners a pathway for the fault to be rectified.
“The subject vehicles are equipped with a specific V35A engine that contains crankshaft main bearings, which allow the crankshaft to rotate within the engine assembly while running,” Lexus said in a statement.
“During a specific production period, there is a possibility that engine machining debris of a particular size and amount may not have been cleared from the engine during manufacturing and subsequently contaminated the engine assembly during the production process.
“For these engines in the subject vehicles, the pressure on the main bearings due to the engine configuration is such that, if the aforementioned machining debris adheres to the bearings and operation of the engine continues at higher loads over time, failure of the bearings may occur.
“This can lead to potential engine knocking, engine rough running, engine not starting and/or an engine stall. In the subject vehicles, an engine stall while driving leads to a loss of motive power. A vehicle loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a collision.
“Lexus has now confirmed a remedy process for the involved vehicles. Lexus Dealers will inspect the engine to assess whether any repair is required. Engine replacement will only be performed if necessary. The remedy will be free of charge to vehicle owners.
“The inspection will take approximately two hours. If engine replacement is needed, the vehicle will be retained for a longer period of time however your Dealer will provide a loan vehicle for the duration of the repair.”
A full list of affected vehicles is posted here.
