KEY POINTS:
Toyota will recall 1.28 million vehicles worldwide, including over 3,000 in New Zealand, it said today.
A defect meant that a foam pad near the seat belt could ignite in collisions.
The recall effects the tiny Yaris model, and rebadged imports Vitz and Ractis.
Toyota USA spokesman Brian R. Lyons said in "severe front-end collisions," the mechanism that tightens the vehicle's seat belt expels a gas that could cause a sound-insulating foam pad nearby to ignite. In a worst-case scenario, the problem could cause a fire, he said.
A spokesperson for Toyota New Zealand said that 3027 Yaris cars are to be recalled here, and 16 imported cars.
The company is already in the process of contacting customers, and is working closely with Land Transport to ensure all owners of effected vehicles are aware of the recall.
It will cover New Zealand-new Yaris models produced between June 2005 and April 2007.
Owners of the vehicles are advised to contact their local Toyota dealer for free repair of the fault.
- NZ HERALD STAFF / AP
