Toyota's North American arm confirmed for Inside Line on Wednesday, that on Friday in the U.S.2010, Lexus LS sedans equipped with optional Variable Gear Ratio Steering will be recalled. On Wednesday, a statement was issued by the Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) saying that it is preparing a recall of 11,500 Lexus vehicles globally which includes the Lexus LS 600h and LS 460.
Toyota spokesman Mike Michels wrote in response to an e-mailed query from Inside Line, "Toyota North America is aware that certain 2010 Lexus LS sedans equipped with optional Variable Gear Ratio Steering [VGRS] may exhibit a temporary steering wheel off-center condition, under specific conditions". Preparations which are based on Toyota’s discussions with TMC in Japan are being made to file a recall in the United States on May 21.
To fix a computerized steering problem, Toyota will recall 4,500 Lexus LS models in Japan, 3,800 in the U.S., 800 in China, 150 in Europe and a small number in other markets. Japan's Nikkei, citing unidentified sources, said the company may for the interim suspend sales and productions of some Lexus LS sedans worldwide. Toyota is recalling four Lexus models, the LS 460, LS 460 L, LS 600h, and LS 600h L. According to spokesman Paul Nolasco, the Company has received 12 complaints about the problem in Japan, but has no reports of any accidents worldwide.
Toyota USA clarify in detail how the system fault could concern Lexus LS models. "The VGRS may exhibit a temporary steering wheel off-center condition of up to 90 degrees after driving quickly from a very tight turn where the steering was at the end of its travel (full lock position — left or right). VGRS automatically corrects the steering wheel off-center condition as the vehicle is driven within approximately one to three seconds. The driver may notice this condition as the steering wheel slowly moves to the center position while driving straight during the VGRS correction."
When drivers is attempting to navigate or park in a tight spot, they are allowed to turn the wheel less at low speeds due to the system varies the amount that the steering wheel turns the tires on the car. At high speeds it also provides finer control. The system can take “a few seconds” to return the steering to normal after it has been adjusted according to Nolasco. Toyota paid a $16.4 million fine on Tuesday to settle allegations by U.S. regulators that it was too slow to recall vehicles with defective accelerator pedals.
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