Recall 10V218 covers 3,800 2009-2010 Lexus LS460, LS460L, LS600HL, and LS600H vehicles for off-center steering. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.
Lexus is recalling 3,800 2009-2010 LS460, LS460L, LS600H, and LS600HL vehicles because VGRS steering control programming can activate protection logic after a full steering turn. The steering wheel can sit up to 90 degrees off center as the driver returns it toward center, increasing crash risk; the Lexus dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The variable gear ratio steering system on the 2009-2010 Lexus LS460, LS460L, LS600HL, and LS600H changes how much the front wheels turn for a given steering-wheel movement. A steering control ECU, or electronic control unit, manages that electric power assist system and tells the steering hardware how to respond. It also has protection logic meant to protect the system when the wheel is forced hard against a fully turned position.
On affected Lexus vehicles, a programming change in that ECU lets the protection logic activate at the wrong time after larger than normal steering input at full lock. Instead of only protecting the system from stress, the software interrupts normal steering behavior. The problem is in the steering control program, not a worn tire, loose alignment setting, or driver input.
There is no warning sign before failure. If it happens, the first thing an owner notices is the steering response itself changing after a full-turn steering input.
Who's affected?
Spans the LS460, LS460L, LS600HL, and LS600H across the 2009 and 2010 model years, all tied to the same power steering system.
| 2010 Lexus LS460 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2010 Lexus LS460L | power steering system |
| 2009 Lexus LS460L | power steering system |
| 2010 Lexus LS600HL | power steering system |
| 2010 Lexus LS600H | power steering system |
| 2009 Lexus LS460 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 3,800 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
The steering protection logic can activate improperly after a full steering turn and quick return toward center. If it happens while driving, the steering wheel can sit off center by up to 90 degrees, which increases crash risk. Drive cautiously and contact a Lexus dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Lexus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 Lexus LS460, LS460L, LS600HL, or LS600H is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lexus dealer to ask whether the steering control ECU replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 10V218 when you call so the dealer can match the steering-control recall.
- Schedule the steering control ECU replacement that fixes the off-center steering-wheel risk after a full-turn steering input.
- Bring the Lexus owner notice if you have it. The dealer repair is free.
What happens at the repair
Toyota's recall notice says the safety recall began on July 12, 2010. The repair path is through a Lexus dealer. At the dealer, a Lexus technician replaces the steering control ECU for the Variable Gear Ratio Steering system. That control unit manages steering response, so the repair addresses the programmed steering control logic described in campaign 10V218. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| May 21, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 12, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V218?
Recall 10V218 covers 3,800 2009-2010 Lexus LS460, LS460L, LS600HL, and LS600H vehicles with a Variable Gear Ratio Steering ECU issue. The steering wheel can become off-center up to 90 degrees after a full turn, increasing crash risk. Lexus dealers replace the steering control ECU for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2010 Lexus LS460, LS460L, LS600HL, or LS600H is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Lexus is included in recall 10V218. If it is, contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the steering control ECU replacement. Reference recall number 10V218 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Lexus dealers replace the steering control ECU free of charge under recall 10V218. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Lexus dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is steering control that does not return as expected after a sharp full turn. The steering wheel can sit off-center up to 90 degrees when the driver quickly turns back toward center, increasing crash risk while driving.
What if I bought my Lexus LS used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Lexus LS is included, then contact a franchised Lexus dealer and reference recall number 10V218.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V218000 |
|---|---|
| Lexus customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V218 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V218000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →