Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 6.39 million vehicles worldwide, including more than half a million in Canada.
Most of the vehicles are being recalled because of a problem with a spiral cable that can prevent airbags from deploying in an accident.
A separate recall involves problems with seat rails. The springs used for the mechanism, which lock the seat rail in its position, can break.
This recall affects a number of models, including the Corolla, RAV4, Matrix, Yaris, Highlander, Tacoma, and Scion XD's.
“Toyota is trying to get ahead of it. It’s doing it early, doing a massive recall to fix that so it can prevent the kind of damage that can happen when you have a massive recall or are preceived to be foot dragging in terms of defending consumer interests,” said Charlotte Yates, industry analyst.
There is a quick way to find out if your vehicle is affected by the recall. Toyota has set up this link that lets you check if your car is on the list. It also lets you arrange to have the defect fixed, by submitting your Vehicle Identification Number, which you can find on your vehicle's dashboard.
You’re also entitled to free supplementary transportation while your vehicle is being fixed. As well, Toyota has to cover other expenses, including loss of value and inconvenience.
