Toyota to recall the Lexus LS

The move affects the Lexus LS460, LS460L, LS600h and LS600hL models, and is with regards to cars fitted with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system. The recall affects around 11,500 cars worldwide, including 3800 in the US, 4500 in Japan and around 40 in the UK.

According to Mieko Iwasaki, a spokeswoman for the automaker, many customers in Japan complained about the wheels not returning to original positions fast enough after making turns. Iwasaki said that the problem is both mechanical and software-related.

Lexus describes the problem as such, "The problem occurs at low speed when manoeuvring the steering wheel to full lock position. If the driver then returns the steering wheel very fast, this could lead to a steering wheel off-centre condition even though the driving wheels would be straight. This phenomenon will be resolved automatically in a few seconds and the driver may notice this correction as the steering wheel centre moves slowly by itself to the centre position when driving straight during the correction operation. The driver remains in control of the vehicle as the steering wheel self corrects itself."