Toyota Australia Recalls Vehicles Due To Rear Centre Seatbelt

December 17, 2020

Toyota Corporate Logo.

Toyota Australia has today announced that it will initiate a safety recall involving Yaris Cross vehicles produced between April 2020 – October 2020 (inclusive). The total number of vehicles involved in Australia is 2,341.

In the rear centre seat, there is a possibility that the seatbelt may be damaged by the sharp edge of the metal seat belt anchor bracket during the impact of a collision, due to improper manufacturing of the bracket. If this were to occur, in the worst case, the seatbelt may be broken and not properly restrain the occupant.

For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will add protective material to the rear centre seat belt anchor bracket free of charge.

It is expected that it will take approximately 30 minutes to add the protective material. However, depending upon the Dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary for the owner to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Toyota Australia will provide all owners of involved vehicles details of this safety recall campaign by SMS, email and/or mail to their last known mobile number, email or postal address. Owners are asked to keep their contact details up to date with Toyota so future communications can be received.

Owners with additional questions or concerns are asked to please contact their local Toyota Dealer in the first instance or the Toyota Recall Support Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00-7.00pm AEDT).
Please quote your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Q&A

Q1. What models are involved in Australia?
A1. A total of 2,341 Yaris Cross vehicles are involved in Australia. The involved vehicles are:

Note: Although the involved vehicles are within the above VIN ranges, not all vehicles in these VIN ranges were sold in the Australian market. (#) indicates additional check digit (alpha or numeric).

SQ1. How many of the involved vehicles have been sold in Australia?
Of the 2,341 involved vehicles in Australia, 1,007 vehicles have been sold and 1,334 vehicles are in custody and control of TMCA and our dealer network.

Q2. What is the condition?
A2. In the rear centre seat, there is a possibility that the seatbelt may be damaged by the sharp edge of the metal seat belt anchor bracket during the impact of a collision, due to improper manufacturing of the bracket. If this were to occur, in the worst case, the seatbelt may be broken and not properly restrain the occupant.

Q3. What does the remedy involve?
A3. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will add protective material to the rear centre seatbelt anchor bracket free of charge to customers.

Q4. How long will the remedy take?
A4. It will take approximately 30 minutes to add the protective material. However, depending upon the Dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary for the owner to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Q5. When was an improvement implemented during production?
A5. In October 2020, the protective material to the rear centre seat belt anchor was added.

Q6. Can I continue to drive my vehicle until repairs are completed?
A6. Yes, you can continue to drive your vehicle. In the meantime, Toyota requests that you refrain from using the rear centre seat. If you have any concerns, please contact your local/preferred Toyota dealership or the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00-7.00pm AEDT).

Q7. Does this condition affect other Toyota models?
A7. Only models mentioned in the VIN range in the table at question 1 are involved in the Australian market.

Q8. My vehicle is in the affected production range. What should I do?
A8. Please contact your closest/preferred Toyota dealer to verify if your vehicle is affected. Alternatively, please contact the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00am-7.00pm AEDT). Please quote your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Q9. Where can I find my VIN?
A9. VIN number location varies by model. For information on how to find the VIN position specific to your vehicle, please search “vehicle identification number” in the alphabetical index at the rear of your Owner’s Manual.

Q10. I’m reluctant to visit a Dealership due to COVID-19. How can you help?
A10. You can be assured that Toyota dealers are well-positioned to assist you in ways that prioritise your well-being and that of our dealership staff. For your peace of mind, our dealers have implemented intensive cleaning, hygiene and social-distancing measures, based on best-practice advice from governments and health authorities. Your preferred/local dealer will be able to assist in addressing your specific concern as well as any other questions you may have.