Toyota faces new recall blow

Toyota is preparing to recall as many as 12,000 vehicles from its luxury Lexus marque for problems related to steering.

It is a new drama for the world’s largest carmaker, which has recalled more than 8.5m vehicles worldwide so far this year.

The company is recalling four Lexus mode because of a problem with a computerised system that oversees the steering controls.

The steering system is a standard fitting on the LS luxury model sold in Japan, but is optional in some cars sold overseas.

Customers have complained about wheels not returning to original positions fast enough after making turns. The problem is both mechanical and software- related, it is believed.

The company, based in Toyota City, Japan plans to recall 11,500 vehicles, 4,500 of which are in Japan. It states that a number of UK vehicles are affected.

Separately, Toyota said last month it will recall the Lexus GX 460 sport-utility vehicle that Consumer Reports magazine rated a “safety risk” because the model can roll over in certain driving conditions.

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