Toyota Recalls Over 90,000 Luxury Lexus and Crown Cars in Japan

Toyota started recalling more than 90,000 luxury Lexus and Crown vehicles Monday in Japan over defective engines — the latest setback for the automaker beset with quality problems.

Toyota Motor Corp. spokesman Paul Nolasco said recalls in overseas markets will follow soon, totaling about 270,000 vehicles globally. That includes: 138,000 vehicles in the U.S., 15,000 in Europe, 10,000 in the Middle East, 6,000 in China, 4,000 in Canada, and 8,000 in other regions.

Toyota told the Japanese government Monday it was recalling 91,903 vehicles for flaws in the valve springs, a crucial engine component, that could make the automobile stall while in motion, The Associated Press reports.

The defect in the engine valve spring produces an unusual sound, results in engine malfunction, and in the worst cases stalls the engine while the car is moving.

In its recall notice to the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, the top Japanese automaker said it will replace the defective valve springs with reinforced springs to fix the problem.

Toyota said it will inform its customers by means such as direct mail or telephone. Toyota said it has received 220 complaints in relation to these valve springs, but no reports of accidents had been linked to the defect, according to Kyodo.