Toyota recalls over 3m cars worldwide over emissions, airbags

Toyota has recalled 3.37 million cars worldwide over possible defects involving airbags and emissions control units.

The company said it was recalling 2.87 million cars over a possible fault in emissions control units. That followed an announcement that 1.43 million cars needed repairs over a separate issue involving airbag inflators.

Prius hybrids from 2010-2012 are affected by both recalls.

Some Prius hybrids were included under both recalls, taking the total number of vehicles affected to 3.37 million.

Toyota said evaporative fuel emissions control units in models produced from 2006 to 2015, including the Prius, Auris hatchback and Corolla models were prone to cracks, which could expand over time and cause fuel leaks.

It recalled Prius and Lexus CT200h models made from 2010 to 2012 over air bag inflators that could have a small crack in a weld, which could lead to the separation of the inflator chambers.

Toyota said the inflator, which was not supplied by troubled airbag maker Takata, could partially inflate and enter the vehicle interior, increasing the risk of injury, but stressed that no injuries had yet been linked to either issue.

Toyota South Africa has confirmed that its customers will also be affected by the global recall of some of its vehicles.

Following the Toyota’s announcement that it was recalling 2.87 million cars globally over a possible fault in emissions control units.

Previous generation Lexus CT200h is one of the models affected by the global Toyota recall, including 261 units in South Africa. Picture: Lexus

Until now Toyota SA could not confirm whether it would also be recalling some of its vehicles.

“A recall campaign on the Lexus CT 200h and Toyota Prius models has been implemented,” it said. “This is a worldwide campaign involving the fitment of retention brackets on the curtain shield airbag inflators.”

The company said 261 Lexus vehicles produced between 2010 and 2012 as well as 270 Prius vehicles produced between 2008 and 2012 were affected.

“It has been observed that the inflator could separate and enter the cabin when a vehicle is parked and unoccupied for long periods. If this occurs while the vehicle is occupied, it could increase the risk of injury. There are no reports of incidents linking the above to any injuries or fatalities.”

Toyota SA said affected CT 200h and Prius owners would be notified by a Toyota dealer to take their vehicle in for the remedial action.