Lexus recalls 123 off-road vehicles

Lexus LX470. Photo / Supplied

More than 100 off-road vehicles are being recalled by Lexus New Zealand because of a rare steering fault.

The fault was detected overseas in four vehicles.

Lexus New Zealand is recalling 123 LX470 off-road vehicles, said Debbie Pattullo, the company's national manager.

She said the fault had only been experienced in four of the approximately 80,000 LX470 vehicles built in the 2002-2007 timeframe Lexus was recalling worldwide.

"The four overseas cases occurred when the vehicle experienced a sudden severe impact, such as striking a deep pothole. In very rare cases, Lexus believes this impact could cause the retainer for the steering shaft to disengage, and over a prolonged period this could lead to a loss of steering control," Ms Pattullo said.

No problems had been reported in New Zealand.

"We will soon contact our owners and ask them to bring their vehicles in so the affected component can be replaced with a new design," she said.

"This repair will be completed free of charge".

- NZPA