Al Futtaim to recall 1,347 Lexus vehicles

Al Futtaim Motors, the sole distributor of Toyota Lexus vehicles in the UAE, on Monday said it would extend the warranty of the Lexus engines affected by the recalled models by two years.

The company has started ordering special springs/valves to replace all the 32 valves in the recalled vehicles.

The recall of selected Lexus models will not upset the company's Ramadan promotion plans as the company is confident of retaining customer confidence and trust in the brand.

Simon Frith, Managing Director of Al Futtaim, told Emirates Business: ““Following close communication with Lexus Japan, we can now confirm that the 1,347 selected 2007-2008 model  Lexus LS 460s are affected in the UAE.”

“Lexus Japan has confirmed that due to possible defective valve springs, there is a small possibility of abnormal engine noise or rough idling.  In extremely rare instances, the engine may stall,” he said. 

"In the interests of delivering the highest standards of Lexus product quality and customer care, we will be contacting our customers directly for a complimentary replacement of the affected parts,” Frith said.

Every year Lexus UAE sells about 4,000 to 5,000 Lexus vehicles in the UAE and the Ramadan period is a peak season for vehicle sales in the region.

He said the customer care team would be available on 04 206 6002 between 8am and 6pm Sunday to Thursday.

He added that the models affected in the US market are not affected in the UAE and by next week Al Futtaim would start getting valve springs from Japan to repair the affected models, if there are any.

“It will be absolutely free for the customers and we haven’t calculated the repair cost. We will be replacing all the 32 spring valves in the engines of the affected vehicles and extend vehicle engine guarantee for two more years,” he said.

Normally the vehicle/engine warranty is for three years and in the case of the affected Lexus models, Al Futtaim will extend the guarantee period by two more years.

The retailer said only some spring valves could have minor contamination, but the company would replace all the 32 spring valves in affected cars.

He said the garages and manpower are ready to take care of the recall and Al Futtaim can repair all the recalled vehicles within two months.