Lexus problems checked locally

Lexus says the potential problem is "not safety critical" and "will not lead to a loss of control" nor "a loss of steering".

The problem is described as a "software issue" which the manufacturer says will only occur at low speed, for example when moving out of a u-turn situation.

Asked what would happen if full lock was applied in an accident-avoidance manoeuvre a company spokesman said that such situations were "highly unlikely".

Owners being contacted

Lexus says that under certain conditions, following maximum steering operation (full lock), "the steering wheel may not return to its straight ahead position" although the wheels themselves are correctly oriented.

According the Lexus statement the VGRS system "corrects the steering wheel position as the vehicle is driven" in approximately one to three seconds.

Lexus South Africa said customers who had already taken delivery of upgraded LS460s (introduced in January this year) were being contacted individually to have their cars checked.

Stringent quality control processes

He said those models awaiting delivery would be corrected prior to release.

"Lexus has stringent quality processes in place to alleviate problems prior to production and to remedy faults that may only become apparent further into the model cycle," the spokesman said.

He said problems were dealt with systematically and with "due diligence to the severity of the problem" and the "potential impact" they may have on vehicle owners.

Lexus South Africa would continue to monitor the situation but has invited concerned Lexus owners to contact their nearest dealer should they have any queries.