Lexus, which is Toyota Motor Corp.'s luxury car brand, has recalled certain GS350 sport sedans from the 2013 model year. The problem concerns the variable-ratio steering system that may cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and crash. This is a safety-related defect. The build dates are from December 12, 2011 through February 7, 2012.
Specifically, Toyota indicates that the electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the variable-ratio steering system could cause the steering wheel to become off-center. Drivers may not realize the steering wheel is off center while pulling off from a parked position and the car may not go where the driver intends. This, of course, could result in a crash.
For more information on this problem, visit: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/latestRecalls.cfm
CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
This recall may raise questions about variable gear ration steering (VGRS) as seen in the Lexus GS350. The steering ratios are supposed to adjust with the speed of the vehicle, meaning that, at slow speeds, the vehicle is easier to turn and can turn further and faster. At highway speeds, the steering sensitivity is lower.
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