Toyota Australia has today announced that it will initiate a safety recall on 1,044 Camry and 14 Coaster vehicles due to an issue with the seat belt assemblies webbing sensor function of the dual mode locking mechanism.
The subject vehicles are equipped with seat belt assemblies with a dual mode locking mechanism. The mechanism will lock the seat belt webbing based on vehicle deceleration (G-sensor) readings and also lock the seat belt webbing if it is pulled out quickly (webbing sensor).
During a specific highly limited production period, an incorrect adjustment was made to equipment that is used to assemble a spring which is used in the webbing sensor locking mechanism. As a result, there is a possibility that the spring could be installed in an incorrect position.
In this condition, the spring could interfere with the other component of the webbing sensor locking mechanism, which potentially causes the mechanism not to lock as designed. We note that the vehicle deceleration locking mechanism is not affected and operates as designed.
This can cause an occupant to not be restrained properly in multiple impact accidents, increasing the risk of injury.
On Camry vehicles, only the rear centre seat belt is affected. For Coaster vehicles, all rear seat belts will be inspected and replaced as necessary.
For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will inspect the serial number of the seat belt assembly(s) and replace affected seat belt assembly(s) free of charge to vehicle owners.
Toyota Australia will notify all owners by mail, SMS or email to provide details of this Safety Recall Campaign.
Some involved vehicles have not yet been delivered to their owners. These vehicles will be inspected prior to delivery. All affected seat belt assemblies will be replaced prior to new vehicle delivery.
Inspection and possible replacement of the seat belt assembly will take approximately 30 minutes for Camry vehicles and up to 13 hours for Coaster vehicles.
However, it may be necessary for the owner to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time depending upon the Dealer's work schedule.
Owners with additional questions or concerns are asked to please contact their local Toyota Dealer in the first instance or the Toyota Recall Support Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00-6.00pm AEST).
Please quote your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Q&A
Q1. Which and how many vehicles are involved?
A1. There are 1044 Toyota Camry vehicles and 14 Toyota Coaster vehicles involved in the Australian market.
Please refer to below VIN table for production period details.
Q2. What is the condition?
A2. The subject vehicles are equipped with seat belt assemblies with a dual mode locking mechanism.
It will lock the seat belt webbing based on vehicle deceleration (G-sensor) and also lock the seat belt webbing if it is pulled out quickly (webbing sensor).
During a specific highly limited production period, an incorrect adjustment was made to equipment that is used to assemble a spring which is used in the webbing sensor locking mechanism. As a result, there is a possibility that the spring could be installed in an incorrect position.
In this condition, the spring could interfere with the other component of the webbing sensor locking mechanism, which potentially causes the mechanism not to lock as designed (the G-sensor is not affected and operates properly).
If the seat belt G-sensor is damaged in a severe accident, such as one that involves multiple impacts, the webbing sensor may not lock as designed in subsequent impacts.
This can cause an occupant to not be restrained properly in certain accidents, increasing the risk of injury.
Q3. Is there a possibility that the seat belt will not be locked in certain accident?
A3. In most accidents, the G-sensor locking mechanism will operate to lock the seat belt and restrain the occupant of the vehicle. However, in a severe multiple impact accident in which the G-sensor locking mechanism is damaged, the webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as designed in subsequent impacts.
Q4. What is the seat belt retractor webbing locking function?
A4. The seat belt retractor is a mechanism that winds up the belt. It also contains the seat belt locking mechanisms.
Q5. What does the remedy involve?
A5. Dealers will inspect the serial number of the seat belt assembly(s) and replace the affected seat belt assembly(s) with new one(s) free of charge to vehicle owners.
Q6. How long will the remedy take?
A6. Inspection and possible replacement of the seat belt assembly will take approximately 30 minutes for Camry vehicles and up to 13 hours for Coaster vehicles. However, it may be necessary for the owner to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time depending upon the Dealer's work schedule.
Q7. Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?
A7. There are no advance warnings prior to the occurrence of this condition.
Q8. Does this condition affect other Toyota models?
A8. No. Only models mentioned in the VIN range in the table at question 1 are involved in the Australian market.
Q9. Can vehicle owners continue to drive their vehicle?
A9. Yes, this condition only impacts the function of the webbing sensor locking mechanism, in the event of an accident (other than a severe multiple impact accident where the G sensor is damaged) the G sensor locking mechanism will continue to operate correctly.
Q10. My vehicle is in the affected production range. What should I do?
A10. Please contact your closest/preferred Toyota dealer to verify if your specific vehicle is affected.
Q11. Where can I find my VIN?
A11. VIN number location varies by model. For information on how to find the VIN position specific to your vehicle, please search "vehicle identification number" in the alphabetical index at the rear of your Owner's Manual.
