Toyota Motor Corp announced on Sept. 4 a plan to recall about 1.03 million vehicles worldwide due to faulty wiring that poses a fire risk. Of particular concern are the gasoline-hybrid Prius model and the C-HR compact crossover SUVs that were produced between June 2015 and May 2018.
The wiring issues affect the plug-in version of the Prius sold in Japan, Europe, North America, and other countries. As for the C-HR, affected units are those believed to be sold in Japan, Europe, and Australia. More than 50 percent of the defective cars are sold in Japan.
There are approximately 192,000 vehicles in the United States that will be recalled according to Toyota's statement. All identified owners of the U.S. vehicles will be notified by first class mail by the last week of September.
Meanwhile, a total of 4,115 vehicles are also affected in Singapore while about 7,200 cars produced between 2016 and 2018 would be recalled in Canada.
Toyota explained that the issue is with the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid vehicle Power Control Unit. A small part of the wire harness has the tendency to rub with the cover at the connection. Regular contact can make the wire wear over time that can lead to an electrical short circuit which can produce heat. When an unspecified amount of heat is generated there is an increased risk to produce fire.
Toyota dealers are instructed to check the engine wire harness assembly of those vehicles that are going to be surrendered. If the said portion of the wire is exposed, Toyota will replace the engine wire harness with a new one. All replacements are equipped with a protective sleeve. If a wire core is not exposed, then a protective tape will be installed on the engine wire harness assembly.
Toyota assures that repairs will not be charged to the customers.
The announcement for recall happened months after Toyota announced its plan to increase its production in China to about 120,000 more cars yearly in its facility in Tianjin, Reuters reported in March. The move shall increase the company's sales in China to more than 50 percent or about two million vehicles per year.
Since the Tianjin facility can only hold 510,000 vehicles a year, Toyota is reportedly planning to build two additional factories in China. Imports would also be augmented in years to come particularly that the auto industry has been gravely affected by the escalating US-China trade war.
