Lexus Recall 12V-221: Steering

Affected: 2013 Lexus GS 350. Filed with NHTSA on May 16, 2012, covering about 663 vehicles.

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.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign12V-221 (12V221000)
ManufacturerToyota Motor Corporation
ComponentSteering
Report dateMay 16, 2012
Owners notifiedJune 7, 2012
Vehicles affected663
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the steering

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 12V-221 repair free?

Yes. Lexus dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 663 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.