Toyota importers Michael Debono Ltd said today that it will be contacting clients affected by a recall of several models, announced by the parent company yesterday.
All recall work will be carried out free of charge.
Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp said yesterday it is recalling 3.37 million cars worldwide over possible defects involving airbags and emissions control units.
Michael Debono explained that the recall involves two issues:
Curtain Airbag Recall - Models involved are Prius and Lexus CT200h production period October 2008 to April 2012. The subject vehicles are equipped with curtain shield air bags located in the left and right side roof rails. Each curtain shield air bag uses an inflator which contains compressed gas in one chamber of the inflator and propellant in another; these chambers are welded together. Some inflators could have a minute crack in the weld area. If the crack propagates over time, the welded portion could separate.
Fuel Emissions Control Unit – Models involved and production periods are as follows: Auris 2006 to 2008, Corolla 2006 to 2013, Prius 2008 to 2015, Lexus CT200h 2010-2015
The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative fuel emissions control unit (canister) mounted in the fuel tank. There is a possibility that cracks could develop in the coating of the emissions channel due to improper shaping of portions of the channel. As a result of this condition, the cracks could expand over time and in rare cases it may result in a fuel leak.
"We are currently compiling all needed data and information of the clients affected, but from an initial review of our database the number of affected units should be around 25 for the Curtain Airbag recall and around 85 for the Fuel Emissions Control Unit recall," the local company said.
"Michael Debono Ltd will be reaching out to effected clients by means of a registered letter as soon as full technical instructions and parts are available. We would like to underline that all needed recall work will be carried out on a free of charge basis."
Owners who imported their vehicles from the UK were asked to email callcentre@toyota.com.mt or call on 22694000 to provide chassis numbers so that they could be assisted.