Toyota Lexus Defects Reported in 2007;

Toyota's latest recalls have dealt with its Lexus brand. Toyota has issued recalls that have dealt with a fire hazard in certain Lexus models as well as a more recent engine stalling problem with other models. Nissan, a major Toyota competitor also based out of Japan has not had any major recall issues as of late. Nissan models can be test-driven at a local Sacramento Nissan dealer. Also, Volkswagen, whose models can be purchased at a Peoria VW dealer, and Ford, whose models can be purchased at a Cincinnati Ford Dealer have stayed relatively clear of recall and car defect news over the past few years.

Reports have come out that Toyota had complaints about its recent engine stalling problems in 2007. A report called the "Toyota Defect Information Report" showed information from field technical reports from the period of March 2007 to August 2008, and the reports showed that there were broken valve springs with engine noise. The current engine stalling problems are said to have problems with the engine valve springs and noise.

At the time there were no reports of accidents, however in October of 2009 there were reports of engines stalling and valve springs continuing to break. These reports are what has lead to the latest recall by Toyota that has affected nearly 140,000 vehicles in the United States alone and up to 270,000 vehicles throughout the world.

Although Toyota was aware of the problem as early as 2008, the company decided to not issue a recall as they felt the severity of the problem was minimal. However, with increasing reports of engine stalling, Toyota decided to issue the recall for the affected models. Toyota is attempting to maintain its image as a high quality automaker, but the latest Lexus recall has not helped the company at all.