Toyota Australia has ordered a recall of 98,000 RAV4 vehicles manufactured between August 2005 and November 2012 due to “potential issues with both outboard seat belts of the second row seats”.
“There is a possibility that, in the event of a high-speed frontal collision, the seat belt webbing could contact a portion of the metal seat cushion frame, become cut and separate,” Toyota said in a media statement, adding that there have been no accidents or injuries associated with this problem.
“If this occurs, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury to the occupant.”
The car maker said its dealers will add resin protection covers to the metal seat cushion frames of all affected vehicles within the next six months.
“For all impacted vehicles, Toyota dealers will add resin protection covers to the metal seat cushion frames. These parts are presently being prepared and, due to the number of vehicles impacted globally, it is anticipated that sufficient parts will be available to commence recall repairs by June this year,” reads Toyota’s statement.
“Affected vehicle owners will be notified by mail advising details of this recall campaign. When parts are available, all affected vehicle owners will again be advised by mail and asked to take their vehicle to any authorised Toyota dealer for rectification.”
The repairs will be conducted free of charge and will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.
