The Japanese automaker earlier recalled 4,500 LS models in Japan to address the same steering issue.

The company says the recall affects late 2009 and certain 2010 LS 460 and LS 600h sedans. The recall fixes a problem that could cause the steering wheel to become off-center during a specific driving maneuver.

Toyota has been working to react faster to problems after being slapped with a record $16.4 million fine for its slow response to its accelerator pedal recalls. Those recalls affected more than 8 million vehicles worldwide.

The LS 460 is Lexus's full-sized sedan. The LS 600h is the hybrid version.

Meanwhile, the heads of Tesla Motors Inc. and Toyota Motors Corp. surprised the auto world Thursday by announcing a partnership to develop and build electric cars at a recently shuttered auto plant in the San Francisco Bay area.

Akio Toyoda, CEO of the world's largest automaker, said Toyota will invest $50 million in Tesla when the company begins selling stock to the public, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk said his company will purchase the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. factory, known as Nummi, in Fremont where the Model S electric sedan will be built.

"We're going to create electric cars together," Musk told a news conference at Tesla's office in Palo Alto.

"It's a great honor to work with a company like Toyota, one of the automobile leaders of the world and one I've personally long admired." Toyoda flew in from Japan to make the announcement a day after both companies finalized the deals.

"I spent time at Nummi and learned much about working in America there, so I feel a sense of attachment (to the plant)," Toyoda said. He also said in a statement that through the venture, Toyota hopes to learn from Tesla's "challenging spirit, quick decision-making and flexibility." Analysts said the partnership enhances the credibility of Tesla, a Silicon Valley startup just a few years ago, and boosts Toyota's image after being fined a record $16.4 million for its slow response to an accelerator pedal recall.

"Many had doubted (Tesla's) ability to deliver on all its promises, but Toyota must have conducted substantial due diligence before making this investment," said John O'Dell, senior editor for car adviser Edmunds' GreenCarAdvisor.com.