In June 2022, the vehicle exhibited abnormal engine behavior, specifically fluctuating revolutions per minute (RPM), while at a complete stop, creating a risk of engine stall. Newport Beach Lexus dealership opted to replace the fuel injectors and gaskets as a corrective measure. Previous invoices also show that there were concerns related to fuel equipment prior to this incident. Subsequently, in December 2024, while traveling with my child on [XXX] near Barstow, California, the vehicle experienced severe shaking during an ascent, leading to a temporary loss of power while driving. I continued to drive after a brief respite due to the unsafe, remote location in the desert. Upon arrival in Las Vegas, the vehicle was inspected by a Lexus dealership, and they were unable to identify the issue at that time. In January 2025, the vehicle’s check engine light came on and further inspections at Lexus South County revealed that the vehicle was unsafe to operate without replacing the fuel pump. The dealership indicated that the vehicle would not be released unless this repair was completed and the fuel pump was replaced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified a safety recall (NHTSA Campaign ID 20V682000) for these vehicles due to a defect in the low-pressure fuel pump. The defect could lead to engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. Affected vehicles were equipped with a fuel pump that may fail, causing the engine to stall while driving. Toyota and Lexus dealers were instructed to replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one at no cost to the vehicle owner. These events suggest a potential failure to adequately address a known safety defect, leading to compromised vehicle performance and increased risk to occupants. Failure to add this vehicle to the recall list created an ongoing unsafe situation for my family and also compromised the health of the vehicles’ engine and other parts that rely on the fuel pump. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11666186