Toyota recalls 6.58 million cars - 35,000 in the UK

In one of the biggest recalls in car history, Toyota is recalling 6.58 million cars including Yaris , Rav4 SUV and Hilux to fix faults.

The Toyota Yaris (pictured) – one of the Toyotas recalled

It seems Toyota has decided its dealer service centres aren’t busy enough, so it’s revealed a massive series of recalls for 6.58 million Toyota’s around the world – and 35,124 in the UK – to fix a raft of problems.

The cars affected are the RAV4, Hilux, Yaris and Urban Cruiser models, and although no accidents or injuries have occurred as a result of the problems, Toyota are taking no chances.

The Rav4 and Hilux models are being recalled to fix a spiral cable assembly in the airbag module where the shape and location of a retainer for the flexible flat cable could damage circuitry when the steering wheel is turned.

The Rav4 and Hilux models affected were built between June 2004 and December 2010 (some Land Cruisers are also affected, but none registered in the UK).

The Yaris and Urban Cruiser are being recalled to fix a seat rail spring in the drivers seat (and passenger seat in 3-door models) which could be under-strength and break if the seats often get moved backwards and forwards.. If it breaks, the seat won’t stay in position.

The cars affected were built between January 2005 and August 2010 and affects 10,339 UK cars.

The Yaris and Urban Cruiser are also being recalled to fix a steering column bracket because the weld that connects the bracket to the instrument panel might break if the steering wheel gets moved repeatedly with full force.

Toyota say drivers may hear odd noises from the bracket area, and if the bracket fails the steering column will drop out of its locked position. You’ll still be able to steer, but the steering wheel won’t be where it should be.

The Yaris and Urban Cruisers affected were built between September 2005 and February 2009, 1,293 in the UK.

Toyota are busy contacting all owners to arrange to do the work free of charge – which will take between 40 minutes and 4.5 hours depending on the fix required – but if you want more information you can use a registration number lookup on Toyota’s website or call Toyota Recall Helpline on 0800 138 8744.