Toyota recalling 35,124 UK-registered cars

The recalls – concerning the spring cable assembly on RAV4 and Hillux models, plus the seat rail spring and steering column bracket on some Yaris and Urban Cruisers - affect 35,124 UK-registered cars. 

In a statement Toyota said it had identified a possible issue affecting the spiral cable assembly in airbags fitted to some RAV4 and Hilux models manufactured between June 2004 and December 2010.

Due to the shape and location of a retainer for the Flexible Flat Cable in the airbag unit, there may be a risk - when the steering wheel is turned - of damage to certain circuits that provide connectivity to the airbag. Toyota said that if connectivity is lost, the airbag warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel and the driver’s airbag may deactivate.

Similarly, Toyota said the spring in the mechanism that locks the driver and (in three-door cars) front passenger seats in position on the seat adjustment rail may be under-strength and could break, should the seats be moved backward and forward frequently. Were the spring to break, the seat may not lock into its adjusted position and could move in the event of a crash. All the vehicles affected by this issue are being recalled for inspection of the springs, and replacement if applicable.