Recall: 2006-2007 Toyota Yaris

Toyota is recalling 135,000 Yaris subcompact cars because of a safety-belt defect that could cause a fire in an accident.

According to Toyota’s spokesman Brian Lyons, heat from the seat-belt pretensioner, which cinches down the belt in a frontal crash to hold occupants in place, could ignite a sound-deadening foam pad in the car’s B-pillar and start a fire.

The recall affects all 2006 and 2007 Yaris hatchbacks and sedans. Toyota will inform owners by mail, though they may call for more information: (800) 331-4331. Repair time is estimated to be one hour, and the service can be performed at a local dealership.

—Eric Evarts

Comments

[Ben]

How on earth did they figure that out?

[Ian]

Well, I guess they decided to run more test on it. Or they learned over the time. Them engineers started to wonder why every Yaris that crached, took fire. Normally, this is the type of stuff you try discovering before!!!!

[Derrick G]

Ben,

Because it actually happened on a vehicle during a wreck in Japan.

[Dan]

First, Hey Derrick, from where in the world do you have that information?! On all the web sites I visited, commenting this recall, it is SPECIFIED that however, no cases of fire due to this defective material were noticed. And, moreover, Jan and Ben, you guys don't believe that some car manufacturers, are actually thinking at the driver's safety? (or at least at THEIR reputation and profits. The testing process done once the model is launched on the market. Just think at the mess with Insurance Companies around the world!)And is just a "minor" issue. I don't understand how most of American manufacturers are getting along with their multiple quality issues! Brrrrr! I am terrified even to think about it!

[Amanda]

I no longer feel safe driving my 07 yaris. I'm wondering if I can trade my yaris for another vehicle? To think I have been driving this vehicle for 2 years and it has had the potential to catch fire if i had got into an accident. Does anyone know if I have the right to demand another vehicle due to its defect?

[miket]

Amanda, you always have the right to trade in any car if you don't like it! Or, do you expect a car maker to give you a gift of a new car every couple years when they decide to give you an upgrade that would correct what may or not have been a problem?
Out of curiosity - what kind of car would you want?

[ellenbetty]

My Mom was shocked when I took my second 2007 Yaris 3 door hatchback in to have the foam removed. I guess my Mom must think I am mad to buy a used Yaris, using my Ford Ranger as a down payment, knowing that it had a defect. But this is not the first time I had a recall on a car. Both my Chrysler Horizon and my Ford Escort had recalls or dealer installed repairs because of a design defect. I have drove my new Yaris 13,000 miles before buying a second used 2007 Yaris. That is how much I am impressed by the design of the Yaris.

Plus check the Internet for the story of Nick and his Yaris. Nick who lost control of his Yaris while making a turn too fast at Interstate speeds. Photo of the remains of the Yaris in the junk yard shows the totaled Yaris. Nick hit a dirt bank and then his Yaris rolled three times. Yet Nick walked away from the crash with just a bad bruise from the shoulder belt and minor bleeding from the deployment of the Yaris's airbags. Nick says he would recommend the Yaris to anyone wanting a safe small car.

[dennis williams]

does anyone know of a 2007 yaris catching fire in the dash borad?