TOKYO (AP) — Toyota said Wednesday it will recall 4,500 Lexus vehicles in Japan to fix a computerized steering problem, with another 7,000 vehicles overseas also likely affected.
The world’s biggest automaker has received 12 complaints about the problem within Japan, but knows of no accidents that it has caused, according to spokesman Paul Nolasco.
It affects Toyota’s luxury Lexus "LS" line, and involves a computerized system that oversees how the steering wheel controls the tires. Cars with the system have also been sold in the U.S., Europe and China.
The steering system comes as standard in Japanese models, but is optional in some cars sold abroad.
The world’s largest car manufacturer has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide for safety defects affecting some of its best-selling models.
Toyota has paid a record $16.4 million fine in the U.S. for a slow response to an accelerator pedal recall. The company still faces hundreds of state and federal lawsuits in the U.S.
