Lexus has started its recall campaign for 3,238 vehicles that have the potential to be affected by an engine issue which has been confirmed with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

The recall will affect certain vehicles from the Lexus GS 450h, GS 460, LS 460 and LS 600h model ranges. No other Lexus models or any Toyota vehicles sold in the UK are affected.

Lexus said: "In the valve operating system in some Lexus engines there is a possibility that the strength of the valve spring may degrade, causing the spring to break.

"In the event that one of the springs in the engine breaks, the engine will misfire and the engine warning light will illuminate. The driver may also notice abnormal noise or rough engine performance. There have been no reported accidents related to this issue."

Owners will be asked to take their vehicles to a Lexus service centre, where the affected valve springs will be replaced with improved ones. The replacement will be performed at no cost to the owner. The repair will take approximately seven to 22 hours, depending on the model.

Owners will be offered complimentary use of a replacement Lexus while their car is being repaired.

Lexus will be contacting all owners affected and customers can find out if their vehicle is involved in this campaign by entering their VIN (vehicle identification number) on the Lexus website www.lexus.co.uk.

Lexus has also launched a dedicated recall information page on its website.

Belinda Poole, Lexus Director, said: “We apologise for any concern and inconvenience caused to our customers by this campaign.

“Lexus take quality issues extremely seriously and we are intensifying our efforts to ensure they are minimised. As is the case with the valve springs, we will continue to take steps to ensure the quality of our customers’ ownership experience is safeguarded.”