Toyota recalls 1.3 million cars globally

29/01/2009 11:46:14 AM

Toyota said Wednesday it will recall almost 1.3 million vehicles worldwide due to a defect that could cause a foam pad near the seat belt to ignite during collisions.

The Japanese automaker said the recall includes 134,900 model-year 2006 and 2007 Yaris subcompacts that were sold in the US Toyota Motor Sales USA said it is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall the vehicles.

Toyota spokesman Brian R. Lyons said in "severe front-end collisions," the mechanism that tightens the vehicle's seat belt expels a gas that could cause a sound-insulating foam pad nearby to ignite. In a worst-case scenario, the problem could cause a fire, he said.

However, Lyons said no cases of either have been reported where this actually happened in the US, and no other vehicles are affected.

The recall affects about 1.28 million vehicles worldwide that are based on Toyota's Yaris platform. Elsewhere, the car is sold as the Vitz and the Ractis. Lyons could not comment on whether problems related to defect have been reported outside the US.

Toyota Motor Sales USA will mail letters to consumers who own the affected cars next week, Lyons said. Toyota will pay the cost of the repair, which should take an hour at a Toyota dealer, he said.

Recall, right.... They will get some tech at the local dealer to take the pad out, end of problem. BUT, they won't tell you now that the B pillar will now rattle and drive you crazy, or that the tech most likely will break the molding getting at the pad, and compensation for the half day to take it in there? Not gunna happen. I love these recalls..... BS

Oz