LS Toyota to Recall 11,500 Lexus LS Models Worldwide

[PanterroR]

In the latest episode of a series of massive recalls, Toyota Motor Corp. said today that it plans to recall four Lexus LS models due to problems related to the steering wheel system of the car.

The models in question are the LS460 and LS460L as well as the LS600h and LS600hL hybrids equipped with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), with the recall covering around 11,500 vehicles worldwide including 3,800 units sold in the U.S., 4,500 in Japan and about 40 cars 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.
Here's how Lexus described the steering wheel-related issue:

"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."

Source: Toyota to Recall 11,500 Lexus LS Models Worldwide - Carscoop

 

[cawimmer430]

While they're in the shop, how about changing the grille? Absolutely hideous. The original LS460 was quite elegant - this facelift ruined it.

 

[Merc1]

Toyota halts sale of Lexus LS sedans

Washington -- Toyota Motor Corp. will stop selling its Lexus LS sedans for about three weeks as it works to develop a fix for its steering system, the company said today.

On Friday, Toyota issued a recall affecting about 3,800 late 2009 model and some 2010 model year Lexus LS 460 and LS 600h L vehicles to address an issue with the steering system; the steering wheel can become off-centered. Toyota will install a new steering computer to address the problem.

Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons said the company was suspending sale of the vehicles on dealer lots until it comes up with repair parts, which likely won't be completed until late June.

But Toyota has fixed the problem in Japan, where the vehicles are assembled, and will be sending upgraded Lexus LS sedans that dealers can sell. Dealers should receive them by mid-June, Lyons said.

"If the steering wheel is fully turned in one direction to the end of its travel (full lock position) and then very quickly turned in the opposite direction, the driver may observe that the center position of the steering wheel is temporarily off-centered," Toyota said Friday in explaining the problem. The system corrects itself in about five seconds.

Toyota reacted after getting just one complaint, and has received no reports of injuries or accidents. Slammed by a series of problems, the company has been working to recall vehicles much faster and to be more responsive to consumer and regulator concerns.

Toyota also said it is recalling 4,500 vehicles in Japan for the same issue. It also is issuing recalls in other countries for the vehicles.

Toyota has sold roughly 4,000 LS sedans in the United States in 2010.

To avoid the condition, Toyota advised drivers against quickly turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction, especially if the steering wheel was turned to the full lock position.


Toyota halts sale of Lexus LS sedans | detnews.com | The Detroit News




Toyota just can't catch a break. Now the S-Class and 7-Series will pull ahead in sales, at least for the moment.


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