The hybrid system might fail.
Lexus will recall approximately 18,000 units of the 2010 HS250h due to a manufacturing problem with the hybrid transaxle. This issue could cause premature wear and short circuits.
Drivers will see warning lights and error messages if this happens. A fail-safe mode would be activated, which will limit the vehicle’s speed and distance. The hybrid system could shut down completely in rare cases.
The hybrid transaxle assembly will be replaced by Lexus dealers. In late November, the company will send an email to all affected owners.
Lexus introduced HS250h for the 2010 model-year. It used a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine with two electric motors to assist. The system produced 187 horsepower (139kilowatts) in total. The CVT sent power to the front wheels. This setup allowed the sedan to reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 8.4 seconds.
The Lexus HS 250h was a very early attempt to create a hybrid luxury sedan. It wasn’t a great success. The company had decided to drop the model out of its lineup in the United States by 2012. In 2011, the automaker delivered only 2,864 units, a drop of 73 percent from 2010.
Lexus has recently announced that the CT 200h, its other dedicated hybrid, will be removed from the U.S. market. This follows the recent decline in sales of the five-door hatchback.
However, the premium company still offers a wide range of hybrids that are based on existing products. The LC 500h, and -LS 500h are the latest electrified powertrains. The powertrain combines a 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motors, though only one is used for driving the vehicle. It produces a total output of 354 horsepower.