New York: Embattled Japanese automaker Toyota announced it was temporarily suspending sales of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 after a safety warning by a respected US consumer magazine.
Consumer Reports gave the sports utility vehicle a rare "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" rating after conducting tests on the car.
When pushed to its limits, the rear of the GX "slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control," the magazine said.
"We believe that in real-world driving, that situation could lead to a rollover accident, which could cause serious injury or death," it added, while cautioning it was "not aware of any such reports."
In response to the Consumer Reports warning, Toyota said it had asked its dealers to "temporarily suspend sales of the 2010 GX 460" in the United States, but insisted it was "confident that the GX meets our high safety standards."
The automaker has recalled millions of cars in the US since late 2009, over a series of problems linked to "unintended acceleration."
The recalls have caused an outcry in the US, with Toyota executives hauled over the coals by Congress and the company's previously stellar reputation for safety left in tatters.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 09:38