TORRANCE, CA - Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. announced that Lexus will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 39,000 MY 2003-2007 LX 470 vehicles to address a steering shaft condition. 

Lexus has determined that the construction of the steering shaft on involved LX 470s is such that the snap ring on the shaft may disengage when the vehicle experiences an unusually severe impact to the front wheels, such as striking a deep pothole. If the snap ring becomes disengaged and the steering wheel is then repeatedly turned to the full locked position, the steering shaft may disengage over time. 

Lexus said it is not aware of any accidents related to this condition. 

"At Lexus, we are committed to setting a new standard for quality customer care and aggressive attention to the safety of our drivers," said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager of Lexus. "Our engineers have thoroughly investigated this issue and have identified a robust and durable remedy that will help prevent this condition from affecting drivers in the future." 

The remedy involves replacing the snap ring with a newly designed one and installing an additional component to prevent separation of the steering shaft. 

Lexus will begin notifying vehicle owners by mail beginning in mid-August. Local Lexus dealers will perform the remedy at no charge. 

Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at (800) 25 LEXUS or (800) 255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.