167,000 Lexus, Audi Crossover SUVs Recalled

More than 167,000 Lexus and Audi crossover SUVs are being recalled in response to two separate safety issues.

The Lexus crossover SUV recall affects the most vehicles. More than 154,000 Lexus RX 350 and Lexus RX 450hcrossovers need service, as the vehicles' gas pedals can get stuck at full throttle, Edmunds Inside Line reports.

The problem occurs when an incompatible or unsecured driver's floor mat gets caught on the gas pedal, the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency said in announcing the recall. This "may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death," NHTSA said.

Only 2010 model year vehicles are included in the latest Lexus crossover recall. Lexus dealers will begin replacing or modifying affected gas pedals in August, according to the company. Owners can wait to receive a recall notice or call Lexus' toll-free hotline, (800) 255-3987.

In a separate crossover SUV recall, more than 13,000 Audi Q5 crossovers may pose a safety risk. Lab tests showed the front glass panel on the Audi Q5's sunroof may shatter in cold temperatures, The New York Times reports.

Audi is owned by Volkswagen, which will begin replacing affected glass panels in August, according to The Times.

Lexus is owned by Toyota, which has recalled about 14 million vehicles since 2009 to fix other gas-pedal and floor-mat problems similar to the Lexus crossover recall, according to Inside Line. Some drivers have claimed they were injured by unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles, leading to lawsuits; some are set for trial next year.

Anyone considering a similar suit over a Lexus or Audi crossover SUV recall may be up against time constraints, as statutes of limitations for civil cases vary by state. An experienced motor-vehicle defect attorney can help determine if your case is worth pursuing.

Related Resources:

• Toyota recalls Lexus SUVs over risk of stuck gas pedals(Los Angeles Times)
• Browse Motor Vehicle Defects Lawyers by Location(FindLaw)
• Toyota Wins First Sudden Acceleration Trial(FindLaw's Injured)
• Toyota Recalls Camrys, Tacomas, Venzas Over Airbags, Brake Lights(FindLaw's Common Law)