w4rjd

The first recall:
================
Make:
LEXUS
Model:
GX470
Year:
2003
Recall Number:
03V031000
Summary:
_
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, “CERTIFICATION.” THE INCORRECT GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) DATA WAS PRINTED ON THE CERTIFICATION REGULATION LABEL. THE GVWR IS INCORRECTLY REFLECTED ON THE LABEL AS 6,100 LBS. THE CORRECT GVWR SHOULD BE 6,000 LBS.
Consequence:
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THE CERTIFICATION LABEL DOES NOT MEET THE INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS AS DESCRIBED IN THE REGULATIONS.
Remedy:
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AS EACH LABEL IS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER SPECIFIC, OWNERS WILL BE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THEIR LOCAL LEXUS DEALER FIRST TO PLACE AN ORDER FOR THE CORRECTED LABEL. ONCE THE LABEL HAS ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE OWNER WILL BE CONTACTED FOR LABEL REPLACEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Notes:
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CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

babyGS3

Wow... I thought it would be some sort of major MAJOR recall of some sort... But I forgot, it's a Lexus. hee hee... They issue a recall for a sticker! A STICKER FOR GOD"S SAKE!!! hehehe... so glad I have a lexus.

w4rjd

We receive a sticker recall once on our BMW. BMW sent out the sticker's and lots of documentation on where and how to apply them. What a expense.

degeester

Whew! Haven't as yet gotten notification of the sticker. But am happy that it is still within IRS section 179 rules of 6,000 GVWR and up for the tax break.

BMW X-5 and Mercedes-Benz ML both have higher GVW rating than GX-470 (they are exactly the same at 6005 lbs. GVWR)

gx470

Can anyone point to where this is specified in the IRS tax code. I've only found where the IRS considers 4 wheel vehicles at a GVWR of 6,000 lbs and less as a passenger vehicle. Does this take away the tax advantage?

Received my recall notice today and I am very concerned.

gx470

Thanks for your reply. The recall is that the GVWR for the GX470 has been lowered to 6000 lbs from 6100 lbs. The vehicle is no longer OVER 6000 lbs so that's the reason for my question.

tcesario

I received the label recall notice today, along with two other recall items:

1. Possible air suspension pin problem

2. Middle seats latching problem

I just skimmed them, if anyone needs more details, let me know.

Anybody else get these notices?

Tony

D4SSWME

Yup! got all three of them today too.

Bummer!

Jim Bob

Can you list the problems listed in the recalls? Has anyone compiled a how to list from the "See your Lexus Dealer for details on how to change" It would be great to have a list of the changable features and details on how to change them.

bcano

Do you know exactaly where in the tax code that it specifies 6000 lbs or greater, as opposed to greater than 6000 pounds. That potentially is a _very_ big deal if it takes the GX out of the tax loop hole.

Thanks
Bcano

gx470

I've been doing some research on this the past day.

From what I've been able to see on the IRS site the following is the definition of a passenger vehicle that is detailed in Publication 946 "How to Depreciate Property" --

"A passenger automobile is any four-wheeled vehicle made primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways and rated at 6,000 pounds or less of unloaded gross (6,000 pounds or less of gross vehicle weight for trucks and vans). It includes any part, component, or other item physically attached to the automobile or usually included in the purchase price of an automobile."

Publication 945

In addition the following online articles also mention the GVWR must be greater than 6,000 lbs.

SmartMoney.com Small Business Taxes & Management

and there are more....

I would love to see good proof that the car still qualifies.....

hipcheck

There is something serious with this issue. If you read the letter there is some incredible bounty attached.

1. Lexus will reimburse additional state and local vehicle registration and title fees. They will also help you retitle the SUV.

2. They will give you a $1000 Visa Debit Card for Lexus services.

This is good for GX 470s purchased after 12/31/2003.

Really strange deal. There must be tax issues.

Any ideas on a good option for me to purchase

D4SSWME

the luxury tax should have been collected on the GX sold or leased on or before 12-31-02

gx470

Part of the recall is that Lexus is arragining payment of the Luxury Tax on the behalf of owners who purchased their vehicles on or before 12/31/2002.

Genearch hit the nail on the head!! The bigger question is how Lexus is going to handle the unexpected tax repercussions to business owners who purchased the cars with the plan to take advantage of deductions allowed under Section 179? These people were sold vehicles that were rated 6100 lbs and qualified!

Has anyone heard any news on this yet?

tcesario

So, the $1K "credit" only applies to those individuals that took a business write off? I've re-read it many times, and I don't think that point it very clear. It does state that you had to purchase prior to 1/1/03, but I didn't see anything about the write off being a requirement. The Lexus customer service line is closed until Monday. Anybody know for sure?

Tony