Recall 12V221 affects 663 2013 Lexus Gs 350 vehicles for VGRS software that can leave steering off-center. Free update at any franchised Lexus dealer.
Lexus is recalling 663 2013 Gs 350 vehicles under recall 12V221 because steering control ECU programming for the variable gear ratio steering system can leave the steering wheel off-centered after a quick restart. When the driver pulls from a parked position, the vehicle can move in an unexpected direction and increase the risk of a crash; the Lexus dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 2013 Lexus Gs 350 uses a Variable Gear Ratio Steering system, which changes how much the front wheels turn for a given turn of the steering wheel. Its steering control electronic control unit, or ECU, is the computer that tells that system how to respond. When it works correctly, the steering wheel and front wheels stay aligned in a predictable relationship.
In campaign 12V221, the problem is the ECU programming. If the vehicle is parked with the steering wheel turned, then restarted immediately, the software can leave the steering wheel off-centered. That means the wheel position no longer matches what the driver expects from the straight-ahead steering position.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue shows up after that specific restart condition, when the steering wheel appears off-center even though the driver has not changed the steering setup.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Lexus Gs 350 | steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 663 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
An off-center steering wheel when pulling from a parked position can make the vehicle move in an unexpected direction and result in a crash. Before moving, confirm the steering wheel position and schedule service soon if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Lexus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Lexus Gs 350 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Lexus dealer to ask whether the free VGRS system update is open for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if Lexus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V221 when you call.
- Schedule the VGRS system update that corrects the steering-control programming tied to an off-center steering wheel after restart.
- Drive cautiously until the update is complete; confirm the steering wheel is centered before pulling away from a parked position.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lexus technician updates the Variable Gear Ratio Steering system software in the steering control ECU. That update corrects the programming issue that can leave the steering wheel off center after the vehicle is restarted with the wheel turned. The campaign remedy is performed free of charge. The source does not list a separate reimbursement program, so this section does not add one.
Timeline
| May 16, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 7, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V221?
Recall 12V221 covers 663 2013 Lexus Gs 350 vehicles with VGRS system programming that can leave the steering wheel off-centered after a restart. Lexus dealers will update the steering control software for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Lexus Gs 350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included. The year and model are not enough. If your VIN is included, contact a franchised Lexus dealer and ask for the VGRS system update under recall 12V221.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Lexus dealers will update the VGRS system free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unexpected vehicle movement when pulling away from a parked position. If the steering wheel is off-centered and the driver does not realize it, the vehicle can maneuver in an unexpected direction, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought this Lexus Gs 350 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Gs 350 is included, then give recall 12V221 to the Lexus dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V221000 |
|---|---|
| Lexus customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V221 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V221000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation 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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →