Toyota recalls the Lexus GX 460 SUV to upgrade stability software

Toyota on Monday said it is recalling about 9,400 copies of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 to update the stability-control software--just one week after Consumer Reports magazine warned that the vehicle was prone to oversteer in turns and urged its subscribers not to buy the vehicle.

It's the latest in a series of gaffes that have damaged Toyota's reputation for high quality and led the automaker to recall millions of vehicles to fix problems such as sticking gas pedals.

"Toyota's objective is to provide a high level of safety and quality, while meeting or surpassing governmental regulations," said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America. "Our engineers have conducted tests to confirm the [stability-control] performance issue raised by Consumer Reports, and we are confident this software update addresses the concern."

On April 12, the magazine issued its warning. It said that two examples of the GX 460 it tested had the back end swing out when the driver lifted off the throttle in the midst of a sharp turn. The magazine said the SUV's stability-control system did not activate soon enough and warned that the situation could lead to a rollover crash.

Lexus dealers will have the software update by the end of this month and will contact GX 460 owners to make appointments for the repair.

Lexus will also provide courtesy vehicles to GX 460 owners who prefer not to drive their vehicles until the recall work has been completed.

No other Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles are involved in this recall.

By Izzi Bendall