Dubai: A car distributor in the UAE has confirmed that it is recalling hundreds of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the country following the manufacturer’s announcement of a massive recall involving more than 3 million cars around the world.
Toyota said on Wednesday that it is recalling 3.37 million vehicles globally over some issues with the airbags and fuel tanks. The recall in the UAE includes luxury Lexus units and Toyota Zelas models built between 2010 and 2014.
In a statement sent to Gulf News, Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus in the UAE, said it has started contacting customers so that they can turn in their affected vehicles to get the problems fixed.
"Al-Futtaim Motors has begun contacting customers with affected models to inform them about the situation and advise them on following steps."
Models recalled
The vehicles being recalled in the UAE are 430 Toyota Zelas MY 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014, and 190 Lexus CT 200h, MY 2010 to 2014. Defects in these units could possibly lead to cracks and eventually to fuel leakage when the vehicle’s fuel tank is full.
The said vehicles are equipped with a fuel vapour canister assembled to the fuel tank.
“There is a possibility that a crack could develop on the edge of the resin channel for the emission gas flow due to an improper shape of the channel edge at that location,” Al-Futtaim Motors said.
“Over time, the crack could expand and may eventually cause fuel leakage when the vehicle’s fuel tank is full.”
For cars with defective airbags, the affected units are 130 Lexus CT200h MY 2010 to 2012. Issues in these vehicles could make the curtain shield air bag partially deploy, and, in exceptional circumstances, one or both sections of the inflator could be ejected from the roof rail.
“The subject vehicles are equipped with curtain shield air bags located in the left and right side roof rails, which use an inflator that contains compressed gas in one chamber and propellant in another; these chambers are welded together,” Al-Futtaim Motors said.
“Some inflators could have a small crack in the weld area, which could propagate over time, especially if the vehicle is parked and unoccupied for a period of time, causing the inflator to separate.”
“If this happens, the curtain shield air bag could partially deploy, and, in exceptional circumstances, one or both sections of the inflator could be ejected from the roof rail into the interior of the vehicle.”
Customers may also choose to contact the distributor's customer care centre for further clarification on 800 Toyota (800-869682) and 800-Lexus (800-53987).
