Toyota has suspended North American sales of its 2010 Lexus GX 460 after a US consumer magazine issued a safety warning.
Consumer Reports gave the sports utility vehicle a rare 'Don't Buy: Safety Risk' rating after finding safety risks when testing the car.
When pushed to its limits, the rear of the GX 'slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control,' the magazine said.
'We believe that in real-world driving, that situation could lead to a rollover accident, which could cause serious injury or death,' the magazine added, though it said it was not aware of any such reports.
In response Toyota, late last night asked dealers to temporarily suspend sales of the model in the US, but insisted it was 'confident that the GX meets our high safety standards'.
Toyota has recalled millions of cars worldwide since late 2009, mostly over a series of problems linked to 'unintended acceleration'. The recalls have caused an outcry in the United States, with Toyota executives hauled over the coals in the US Congress and the company's previously stellar reputation for safety left in tatters.
Toyota said it was concerned by the Consumer Reports rating and had not experienced any similar problems in its own tests.
