Yet another recall for Lexus (and their parent company, Toyota): the 2011 hybrid Lexus HS 250h vehicles have failed an NHTSA rear crash test, with safety officials noting a fuel leak post-crash. In a statement, Lexus has said that the HS 250h passed this same test when conducted by Lexus, and the company was investigating why the NHTSA's results differed from their own. (It is up to manufacturer's to prove compliance with safety standards, but the safety agency does, as in this case, conduct its own spot-checks of certain tests.)

The agency has halted sales of the vehicle until the investigation is complete, and has already recalled the 17,000 or so vehicles that have been sold.

In other recall news, BMW is recalling over 15,000 motorcycles due to three different issues. From the New York Times Wheels blog:

"The biggest [recall] involves about 15,500 motorcycles on which the front brake lines can be stressed, develop cracks and leak. The models covered are the 2007-8 K 1200GT; 2007 -9 R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, R 1200 R, R 1200 RT and the 2007 R 1200 ST.

BMW is also recalling some of its dual-purpose motorcycles because the rear wheel could lock up. They are the 2007-8 G 650 X Country; the 2007 G 650 X Challenge and the 2007 G 650 X Motor."

[Source: The New York Times Wheels blog -- 1 and 2.]