Double recall for Toyota NZ

Toyota is recalling almost 37,000 new and used vehicles and 1,200 hybrid cars in New Zealand for separate issues. A total of 36,961 new and used imported Toyota and Lexus models are being recalled due to a possible fault involving the charcoal canister fitted to the fuel tank. The recall extends to nearly 2.9 million vehicles worldwide and affects the Corolla/Auris, Prius, PHV, SAI and Lexus CT200h, HS 205h models manufactured between 2006 and 2015. The vehicles are being recalled due to the possibility that the canister fixed to the fuel tank could develop a crack. If the crack is present, it has the potential to expand and cause a minor fuel leak when the vehicle has a full tank of fuel. A charcoal canister serves to prevent fuel emissions being released into the atmosphere. Spencer Morris, Toyota NZ general manager of product, says: "We are not aware of any incidents in New Zealand and this is a precautionary move." Vehicle owners are traceable through registration data and will be contacted by Toyota New Zealand. The news comes off the back a separate recall of 1,162 hybrid cars, relating to an airbag inflator issue. These are new models and include the Lexus CT 200h produced between 2010 and 2012 and the 2008-2012 Prius. Morgan Dilks, a spokesperson for Toyota New Zealand, says the company is currently investigating whether any imported models are also affected. The curtain shield airbag inflators could have a small crack in a weld, which can expand over time, leading the airbags to “possibly separate and partially deploy”. The issue is not related to a previous recall involving Takata-supplied airbags. No injuries or deaths related to the recall have been reported in New Zealand. Toyota says it will contact affected owners and the issue will take between two and four hours to fix, free-of-charge. Toyota is reportedly recalling nearly 1.5 million cars worldwide for the issue.