The problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 lexus gs350 vehicles, manufactured from december 12, 2011, through february 7, 2012. The steering control electronic control unit (ecu) programming for the variable gear ratio steering (vgrs) system could cause the steering wheel to become off-centered when restarting immediately after the vehicle is parked with the steering wheel turned.
The risk
If this occurs, the driver may not realize that the steering wheel is off-centered when pulling from a parked position, the vehicle could maneuver in an unexpected direction, resulting in a crash.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners, and lexus dealers will update the vgrs system free of charge. The safety recall began on june 7, 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Contacts
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.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Lexus dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 12V221000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.