What to do if you have a Toyota RAV4 on the recall list
Toyota has just recalled nearly 3 million RAV4 sport utility vehicles across the world, stating their rear seat belts could be severed in a car accident, leaving passengers unrestrained and vulnerable to injury.
The fault is suspected in the separation of seat belts in two crashes, one of which killed a passenger, according to a recent article in The New York Times.
Just under half of the 2.87 million vehicles affected by the recall are in North America, Toyota’s largest market. The recall also covers Japan, Europe, China and other regions. The recalled RAV4s include those produced between 2005 and 2014 in all markets except Japan, where the recall reportedly affects models up to 2016.
Owners of the involved vehicles will receive notification by first class mail, according to a press release on Toyota.com. Toyota dealers will add resin covers to the metal seat cushion frame at no cost.
For the most up-to-date safety recall information on Toyota, customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site.
For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at (800) 331-4331.
If you have been injured in a faulty Toyota RAV4, you can also call one of our accident attorneys for a free review of your case. We are here to answer any questions you may have.
Although this recall affects only a single model of Toyota, it follows a disturbing series of serious flaws in important auto safety equipment, like the Takata airbag recall, and the GM ignition switch recall, both which led to numerous fatal automobile accidents.
