Toyota Motor said yesterday it would recall 270,000 vehicles worldwide because of an engine fault affecting cars including its luxury Lexus range and Crown sedans, in the latest blow to its reputation.

Toyota said faulty valve springs in certain engines could potentially lead to affected vehicles stopping while in operation.

It plans to submit a recall notice to Japan's transport ministry on Monday, with the latest action affecting 90,000 units in Japan and 180,000 overseas, the majority of which are in the US.

"The recall is due to defective parts of valve springs, which may result in abnormal noise or idling. In a worst case, the engine could stop," said Toyota official Ririko Takeuchi.

Toyota Motor Sales USA said about 137,000 of the 180,000 would be recalled in the Us.

"We sincerely apologise to our customers for any inconvenience and request that they contact their nearest Lexus dealer," said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager of the US Lexus Division, in a statement.

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