Japanese car maker Toyota has suffered another blow after recalling 1,7 million models over fears they could suffer a fuel leak.
The latest round of recalls affects certain Avensis 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol engine models, produced between July 2000 and September 2008 and Lexus IS 250 vehicles built between August 2007 and February 2009.
According to the car maker, small cracks can potentially develop in the fuel pipe of the Avensis while a second issue relates to the potentially insufficient tightening of the fuel pump check valve. Both issues can result in a fuel leak.
The Lexus model’s fuel pressure sensor could may not be sufficiently tightened which, again, can potentially result in a fuel leak.
No complaints related to this issue have been reported in the UK but 140 problems have been recorded in Japan.
The repair involves replacing the fuel pipe and the fuel pump check valve. It takes approximately two to four-and-a-half hours to complete, at no cost to the customer.
It’s understood approximately 15,500 UK registered Avensis vehicles and 3,100 Lexus models are affected by this recall. Globally, almost 1.7 million will require the fix.
Jon Williams, Managing Director of Toyota GB PLC, said, “We are committed to putting the customer first and have a total focus on the quality of all our products.
“We will liaise with our customers to carry out the repair procedures as efficiently as possible, with minimal disruption.”
The announcement is a bitter blow for the car giant which has recalled more than 16 million vehicles since September 2009.