Toyota recalls FJ Cruiser to inspect, repair rear seat-belt retractors
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The voluntary recall affects about 209,000 vehicles in the United States and 16,000 in Canada from the 2007-13 model years, Toyota said. |
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Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling about 310,000 FJ Cruiser compact SUVs worldwide because cracks can develop in the rear door panels, allowing the seat-belt retractors to detach.
The voluntary recall affects about 209,000 vehicles in the United States and 16,000 in Canada from the 2007-13 model years, Toyota said.
A Toyota spokesman said cracks in the door panels develop "if a great deal of force is used to close the door, which, over time, causes the [seat-belt retractor] bracket to become fatigued," then detach from the door, which could increase the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash.
Toyota said it has received one consumer complaint about the retractors, and that no accidents or injuries have been reported. The SUV is built only in Japan.
After the complaint was received, Toyota conducted a field survey of 19 vehicles. The automaker said cracking was noted at the access door panel around the lower anchor on one vehicle with 87,000 miles.
Cracks were also noted in some vehicles in the panel around the upper mounting retainer, but those do not affect seat belt function or retractor mounting strength, the company said.
No date has been set for repairs under the recall.
