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Lexus RX350 shipping hook left on, fire risk

NHTSA campaign 21V043000 · Reported 2021-02-03 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

critical How serious is it? About this label

Potentially very dangerous because it can cause a fire after a rear-end crash; the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, but get it inspected right away.

What's wrong, in plain English

Before a new vehicle is shipped, a metal hook is attached underneath so it can be tied down during transport. On these SUVs, that hook was never taken off before the vehicle was sold. If someone rear-ends the vehicle, the leftover hook can be driven into the fuel filler pipe — the tube that runs from the gas cap down to the tank. Damaging that pipe can let gasoline escape, and spilled fuel can catch fire.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your RX350 is affected.
2. Schedule an inspection with any Lexus dealer, or call Lexus at 1-800-331-4331 (recall 21LA01).
3. The dealer will remove the rear transport hook if it is still there — free of charge.

Affected vehicles (1)

2019 Lexus RX350

Who to contact

Lexus — official Lexus recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-255-3987

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Lexus fuel system recalls: stalling fuel pumps and fire risk · all 4 Lexus recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Lexus) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus RX350 and 2021 RX350 vehicles. The transport hook may not have been removed prior to sale. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Safety risk: During a rear-end crash, the transport hook can damage the fuel filler pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Lexus will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, remove the rear transport hook, free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Lexus' number for this recall is 21LA01.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.