6.8m cars called back

Five recalls issued by Toyota Motor Corporation today affect 6.86 million units worldwide. So far this year, it has announced two recalls in Japan and 12 recalls globally. Spencer Morris, general manager of customer services for Toyota New Zealand, says it’s important to note all of this recall activity is precautionary and is intended to avoid the possibility of safety issues arising. “While we do apologise for any concern and inconvenience caused to customers, Toyota is ensuring any possible quality issues are addressed before problems arise,” he says. “Taking appropriate action early – and putting customers and people first – is our commitment to quality and safety. “Owners of vehicles affected will receive a notification letter and are advised to contact their Toyota dealer. Remedial action may take between one hour for the spiral cable and three hours in the case of the Yaris affected by the steering bracket recall. In every case, the remedy is free of charge to customers.” Toyota NZ’s safety policy is to support all of its vehicles regardless of the importing channel, so used imports brought to the marque’s attention will also receive any remedies required. In this country, certain RAV4, Prado and Hilux models made between June 2004 and December 2010, and sold new here, are affected by a spiral cable recall. A seat rail recall affects 7,506 units of the Yaris made between January 2005 and August 2010. Some 100 Yaris vehicles with tilt/telescopic steering adjustment, made between September 2005 and February 2009, are affected – as well as 1,037 used imported models of the Ractis and Ist. There are 993 imported Ractis vehicles affected by a recall relating to possible clogging of drain outlets in the cowl-top reinforcement under the wiper-motor mounting area.