Toyota has issued a voluntary recall of 516,000 vehicles in the United States and other countries over safety problems.
Toyota, the world's largest car making company, has recalled 516,000 vehicles involving three different models across the globe. The recall, which was announced Thursday, will address three safety problems found in the affected vehicles, mostly sold in the United States. The affected models include Toyota's Sienna minivans manufactured between 2004 and 2011, Lexus GS 250 and 350 sedans with 2013 model year and 2014 Highlander and Highlander hybrid SUVs, The Associated Press reports.
Among the three models, Sienna minivans account for the highest with 450,000 vehicles. According to Toyota, the problem affecting the minivans are caused mainly in the models sold in cold weather areas. The Japanese car maker said these cars are exposed to the risk of losing the spare tire, as the road salt can wear off the carrier holding it underneath the vehicles. Most of the minivans affected in the recall are in the U.S. (370,000), 80,000 in Canada and 400 in different parts of Europe.
The second highest in the current recall is the 2014 Highlander and Highlander hybrid SUVs, which add up to 50,000, with 45,287 of those sold in the US. The problem found in the Highlander is due to a software malfunction that can falsely interpret the size of the front-seat passenger while deploying the airbags. The affected models are also in Canada, Mexico and Europe.
Toyota's recall needs to address a serious problem with 16,000 Lexus GS 250 and 350 sedans. The problem with these cars is brake-related that can engage without warning and without turning the brakes lights. The affected cars are spread across the U.S. (10,500 in number), and also include some left-hand-drive sedans in Canada, China and Europe.
Safety recalls from car makers are a serious concern. Though it affects the car maker's reputation, it is also necessary to ensure the customers are safe on roads. General Motors was deeply criticized for overlooking one of the biggest recalls in the history that resulted in some fatalities as well as serious injuries. Timely recalls are the best way to prevent such incidents.
Toyota recently recalled 6.4 million vehicles involving 30 different modes to address five safety problems in April. The company also went as far as holding back the sales of eight popular models including 2013 and 2014 Avalon, Avalon hybrid, Camry, Camry hybrid, Sienna and Tacoma, and the 2014 Corolla and Tundra in January due to fire risk.
Toyota said it was not aware of any incidents related to the recall and will contact customers and dealers to fix the issue for free.
