Toyota's RAV4 recall in SA: More than 9000 affected

Johannesburg - Toyota is conducting a global recall involving selected SUV models including the RAV4.

Approximately 2 696 300 vehicles are affected – the main countries are North America, Europe, Japan, China as well South Africa.

Toyota South Africa confirms that 9621 RAV4, manufactured from 2006 to 2012,  units are affected. In SA, the parts affected are the "resin cover for the rear metal seat cushion frame".

Reason for the recall:

Vehicles are equipped with seatbelts in both second-row outboard (window-facing) seats.

According to Toyota: "There is a possibility that, in the event of a very severe frontal crash, the lap belt webbing could come into contact with a portion of the metal seat cushion frame, become cut, and separate.

"If this occurs, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury. To date, there are no reports of incidents linking the above to any injuries or fatalities."

Customers recourse

Affected owners will be notified by a Toyota dealer to bring their vehicle in for the remedial service action.

Toyota SA said: "Please note that the service action will take between 30 and 60 minutes to perform and involves adding resin covers to the metal seat cushion frame at no cost to the customer."

"To check if your specific vehicle is affected by this recall campaign, contact the Toyota Call Centre on 0800 139 111. Ensure you have your vehicle’s VIN number on hand (the VIN number is recorded on your licence disc)."