Toyota to recall Lexus models

Toyota Motor Corp. is preparing to recall four models of its high-end Lexus brand sold in Japan due to safety problems in its electronic steering control system, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
According to sources, flaws in the computerized system can prevent the steering wheel from returning to the original position for a few seconds after the vehicle has turned a corner.
The land, infrastructure, transport and tourism ministry has received 12 complaints from Toyota customers concerning malfunctions with the electronic steering system since March.
The recall comes just six months after the vehicles were rolled out, and likely will reignite concerns over the safety of Toyota vehicles following massive global recalls in recent months.
The system, called the Variable Gear-Ratio Steering system, automatically modifies how much the steering wheel turns and the reaction of the wheels, depending on vehicle speed and other conditions. For example, when a vehicle travels at about 20 kph, the system can change the direction of the wheels with only a slight turn of the steering wheel. The faster the vehicle travels, the less the wheels change direction.