Lexus today announced a recall campaign for 3,238 vehicles that have the potential to be affected by a rare engine issue. This has been confirmed with Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

In the valve operating system in some Lexus engines there is a possibility that the strength of the valve spring may degrade, causing the spring to break. In the rare event that one of the springs in the engine breaks, the engine will misfire and the engine warning light will illuminate. The driver may also notice abnormal noise or rough engine performance. There have been no reported accidents related to this issue.

The recall will affect certain vehicles from the Lexus GS 450h, GS 460, LS 460 and LS 600h model ranges. No other Lexus models or any Toyota vehicles sold in the UK are affected.

Owners will be asked to take their vehicles to a Lexus service centre, where the affected valve springs will be replaced with improved ones. The replacement will be performed at no cost to the owner. The repair will take approximately seven to 22 hours, depending on the model.

Owners will be offered complimentary use of a replacement Lexus while their car is being repaired.

Lexus will take all reasonable action to contact the owners or registered keepers of the vehicles affected as quickly as possible. In the meantime, owners can immediately find out if their vehicle is involved in this campaign by entering their VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Lexus website http://www.lexus.co.uk

Lexus has also launched a dedicated recall information page on its website, which will be updated with the latest information.

Lexus advises customers who have any concerns to contact their local Lexus centre or the Lexus Customer Relations team on 01737 367601 for assistance.

“We apologise for any concern and inconvenience caused to our customers by this campaign,” said Belinda Poole, Lexus Director.

“Lexus take quality issues extremely seriously and we are intensifying our efforts to ensure they  are  minimised.  As is the case with the valve springs, we  will  continue  to  take  steps  to ensure the quality of our customers’ ownership experience is safeguarded.”