Lexus recall to fix valve springs

Lexus New Zealand is recalling 185 of its V8 and GS450 vehicles because manufacturing flaws have been found in engine valve springs.

Reliability tests in Japan discovered the problem which could cause abnormal engine noise or unstable idling.

Lexus New Zealand national manager Debbie Pattullo said the springs would be replaced over the next few months, to remove the possibility of future problems.

"While no problems have been reported, and the chances of an incident are remote, Lexus wants to replace the springs so it can be confident no future problems will occur."

Earlier parent company Toyota warned the fault potentially required a recall that could affect up to 270,000 vehicles.

The world's largest automaker has been hit by a series of safety recalls and has pulled around 10 million vehicles worldwide since late last year.

- NZPA