Toyota recalls 423,000 Lexus cars in U.S.

Toyota's Lexus division is recalling 423,000 cars because of the potential for a fuel leak that could cause fires.

The recall was among 1.7 million vehicles recalled worldwide by Toyota on Wednesday, many of them models not sold in the U.S.

Toyota says the U.S. recall applies to a slew of older Lexus models. They include the 2007 through 2010 LS sedan; 2006 through 2011 GS sedan; 2006 through 2011 IS compact; 2010 IS C; and 2008 through 2010 IS-F vehicles.

The problem involves some plating on fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment, according to Toyota. The pipes are coated with particles to prevent erosion, but the fear is that some fo the particles could have found their way on to the gasket seating surface where a fuel pressure sensor is located.

If the gasket doesn't properly seal between the pressure sensor and the pipe, fuel could leak could leak. And if fuel leaks in a hot engine compartment, it could find an ignition source and set the car on fire.

For the moment, the scenario is mostly theoretical: Toyota says it has not reports of fires, crashes, injuries or fatalities due to the leaky fuel pipes or improperly seated gaskets.

Toyota says Lexus dealers will repair the gasket seating surface of the fuel delivery pipe where the fuel pressure sensor is installed, replace the gasket with a new one, and re-install the fuel pressure sensor.