Toyota halts sales of 2010 Lexus GX 460

WASHINGTON (AP) — Toyota Motor Corp. has suspended sales of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 after Consumer Reports warned car shoppers not to buy the sport-utility vehicle because handling problems could lead to rollover accidents during sharp turns.

Toyota said Tuesday it had asked dealers to temporarily suspend sales of the SUV while it conducts its own tests on the GX 460. About 6,000 GX 460s from the 2010 model year have been sold since the vehicle went on sale in late December, and an estimated 1,600 of the SUVs are at dealerships.

The carmaker issued the temporary "stop sale" within hours after the popular consumer magazine raised the handling problem. It reflects Toyota's attempt to respond more quickly to safety concerns after being castigated by the federal government for dragging its feet on recalls to address faulty gas pedals.

The decision to stop selling the SUV adds another stain to Toyota's safety reputation following the recall of more than 8 million cars and trucks worldwide over gas pedals that are too slow to retract or can become stuck under floor mats.

Toyota faces a $16.4 million fine from the Transportation Department and has until April 19 to decide whether to contest the penalty.

The GX 460 is not covered by the pedal recalls.