The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has urged Lexus owners to return their vehicles to an authorised Lexus dealership for a free reprogramming of the transmission system, as the commission has recalled more than 100 vehicles in the country.

NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba says the recall affects LX500D F-Sport and Overtrail models sold between March last year and January this year.

“The recall affects LX500D-F Sport and LX500D Overtrail vehicles distributed between 13 March 2025 and 16 January 2026, with approximately 110 units identified in the South African market. These vehicles are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that uses linear solenoids to control gear shifts.”

Ntaba says the supplier of these vehicles has highlighted some safety concerns, which could lead to accidents on the roads, or even a fire.

“According to the supplier, if a solenoid failure occurs under certain driving conditions, the Transmission Electronic Control Unit (T-ECU) and the Engine ECU may not communicate the failure, resulting in the transmission over-revving in specific gears. This could result in damage to the transmission and a loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds. If certain damage occurs to the transmission housing, there is also the possibility for transmission fluid to leak from the housing.”