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Toyota recalls 2.9 million SUVs worldwide for seatbelt failure

The Toyota recall covers RAV4 SUVS from 2005 through 2014, the RAV4 electric vehicle from 2012 through 2014, sold in North America, and the Vanguard sold in Japan from 2005-2016. 1.1 million vehicles in the US are affected.

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David Zalubowski/AP/File
2007 Toyota RAV4 sports-utility vehicles on the lot of a Toyota agency in the east Denver suburb of Aurora, Colo. Toyota is recalling 2.9 million SUVs worldwide for seatbelt safety issues.
  • By The Associated Press

Toyota said Thursday it is recalling nearly 2.9 million sports utility vehicles, including more than 1.1 million in the U.S., because of seat belts that might fail in a crash.

The recall covers RAV4 SUVS from the 2005 through 2014 model years, the RAV4 electric vehicle from 2012 through 2014, sold in North America, and the Vanguard sold in Japan from 2005-2016, the Japanese automaker said.

Toyota's full notice on the recall in the United States is below: 

– Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 1,124,000 Model Year 2006-2012 RAV4 and Model Year 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles.

The involved vehicles are equipped with lap-shoulder seatbelts in both second-row outboard seats.  There is a possibility that, in the event of a very severe frontal crash, the lap belt webbing could contact a portion of the metal seat cushion frame, become cut, and separate.  If this occurs, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury.
Owners of the involved vehicles will receive notification by first class mail.  Toyota dealers will add resin covers to the metal seat cushion frame at no cost.

Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time.  For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recalland entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin.  For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987. 

Toyota says it's possible the belts in both second-row window seats could come in contact with a metal seat cushion frame in a severe frontal crash.

If that happens, the belts could be cut and would not restrain passengers.

The company says it will add plastic covers to the metal frame at no cost to customers.

The recall also affects 625,000 vehicles in Europe, 434,000 vehicles in China and 177,000 in Japan.

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