TOYOTA has been hit by another recall alert - this time affecting a pair of its luxury Lexus models.

The Japanese company is preparing a recall of some Lexus LS 600h and LS 460 models equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering.

The precise number of cars involved is still being finalised but initial figures show approximately 11,500 vehicles are affected globally. Around 40 models are likely to be affected in the UK.

Toyota says it has been investigating the matter since March and while there have been 10 complaints in Japan, none have been reported in the UK. No accidents have been reported either.

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.

According to Toyota, this phenomenon will be resolved automatically in a few seconds.