2015 Toyota Yaris
The start of the new financial year has been a busy one for carmakers and recalls, with Toyota and Honda the latest to issue wide-sweeping recalls for models in Australia.
For Toyota, the previous-generation Prius makes up the bulk of the recall, along with the Lexus CT 200h.
Around 4560 Priuses built between April 2009 and April 2012 have been recalled due to a potential issue with the curtain airbags. The same issue affects 2185 CT 200h vehicles, built between September 2010 and April 2012.
The carmaker has identified a weakness with the weld joining the curtain shield airbag inflator chambers, which may be cracked.
Should this be the case, the crack may increase in size over time and eventually allow the inflator to detach.
A detached inflator may mean the airbag does not inflate correctly when required, or the inflator may enter the cabin when the airbag inflates - creating a hazard to the vehicle occupants.
Toyota says there have been no such incidents reported in Australia.
The recall process will involve the installation of support brackets, taking around two hours to complete. All recall works will be carried out free-of-charge, and owners will be contacted when the necessary parts are available.
A second recall from Toyota also targets the Prius and the Lexus CT 200h, along with the larger Prius V, Corolla and Rukus models.
Cars built between October 2008 and February of last year are included in the recall, which targets 324,000 Toyotas and 4600 examples of the Lexus CT 200h.
Toyota has identified a weakness with the fuel suction plate assembly in the fuel tank, which may be prone to cracking.
Should this occur, fuel may be allowed to leak when the tank is full, creating a fire hazard.
Toyota reports nine Corollas in Australia have been found to have cracked fuel suction plates, but no injuries or fires have resulted.
When the necessary parts are available, the recall process will see the suction plate replaced, requiring around two hours.
Honda Further Expands Takata Airbag Recall
Honda has added yet more models to its enormous Takata airbag recall list in Australia, with a further 111,820 cars now on the roster.
Models include the 2009-2011 Accord Euro, 2009-2011 City, 2007 and 2009-2011 CR-V, 2007 and 2009-2011 Jazz, 2010-2011 Insight, 2007-2011 Legend, 2004-2008 Odyssey, 2003-2007 Accord and the 2005-2006 Honda MDX.
As with other Takata airbag recalls, the issue surrounds the airbag inflator unit (passenger side in this instance) which can rupture when the airbag inflates.
Should this occur, metal fragments may strike occupants in the cabin, resulting in injury or even death.
The recall process will see the inflator replaced at no cost to owners, once the necessary parts become available.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep has issued a recall for the Wrangler 4WD, built between 2007 and 2010 along with Wranglers built between 2011 and 2016.
A total of 22,848 cars are affected by the recall, which targets the vehicle’s airbag clock spring.
During operation in dusty environments, the clock spring may be subject to contamination which could compromise its operation when required. A warning light may appear in the instrument cluster to inform drivers of the problem.
Should the components fail, the airbag may not deploy when required during a collision, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Jeep says no incidents have been reported in Australia.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for 286 of its GLE 450 SUV, sold in Australia between June last year and May of this year.
A software problem may cause the engine to stall while braking at low speed. Should this occur, a hazard may result for the vehicle occupants and other road users.
The relevant manufacturers will attempt to contact affected owners shortly, but any owner wishing to learn more about the latest round of recalls should contact their local dealer. Alternatively, Toyota owners can phone Toyota on 1800 987 366 while Lexus owners can ring 1800 023 009.
MORE: Mitsubishi Recalls Almost 430,000 Cars In Australia
MORE News & Reviews: Toyota | Lexus | Honda | Recalls
