Toyota is recalling over a third of a million vehicles in the United States due to potential suspension failure, and in the process has reminded us of a model we had long since forgotten.
That model is the HS200h, which (though short-lived) was the Lexus brand’s first dedicated hybrid, pre-dating the launch of the CT200h. It was based, of all things, on the same underpinnings as the Scion tC, but took the form of a four-door sedan, and was only offered with a hybrid powertrain. It wasn’t much of a success, though. So after just a few short years on the American market, Lexus put it to pasture – replacing it with models like the CT and the ES 300h. The only occasions when we hear about it anymore is for recalls, the last of which popped up over three years ago.
There are evidently still a few of them on the road, though. So along with the RAV4 (from the 2006-2011 model years), Toyota is recalling examples of the HS due to a suspension issue. The problem, according to the NHTSA, is that the tie roads on the rear suspension arm may be loose and could corrode, causing the suspension to fail. And that would be bad news.
All told, an estimated 337,449 vehicles are affected by the recall. To fix the issue, dealers will have to replace both rear suspension arms entirely and fix the locknuts with epoxy.
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