The recall season continues and this time it’s Lexus recalling a huge number of their high-end luxury saloon models globally. The faulty cars include LS 600h and LS 460 models equipped with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS)., they recon nearly 11,500 units of the LS models might be affected. It’s doubly bad for Lexus since they’re one of the best names when it comes to quality and reliability!

VGRS is a feature that enables easier handling during low-speed driving and provides better stability during high-speed driving than conventional steering by changing the gear ratio.

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.