RECALL WRAP: Prius seatbelts on the blink

Potentially faulty seat belts on more than 1000 Toyota Prius and Prius V tops the latest round of ACCC recalls for the car industry.

Toyota is addressing a problem with 1037 Prius and Prius V models sold nationally between 2015 and 2019 that face a potential failure of the seat belt reminder system to switch off after repeated use, resulting in continual chiming and warnings on the instrument cluster. The fault is apparently caused by improper assembly in the seat belt reminder switch.

Toyota is contacting affected owners in writing to arrange an appointment for a free-of-charge repair at a conveniently-located dealership.

Owners can obtain more information at www.toyota.com.au/find-a-dealer or contact the Toyota Recall Assist helpline on 1800 987 366 (Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm AEDT).

Meantime, Mercedes-Benz is recalling a small number of A-Class models sold nationally between January 1 and February 28 2019. The problem is caused by incorrect bonding of the glass in the panoramic sunroof.

This has the potential to create wind noise which is a warning signal that, if unnoticed, could ultimately lead to the glass pane completely detaching from the roof of the car. This could, according to Mercedes-Benz, “increase the risk of an accident and/or injury to other road users”.

Fortunately the problem only affects three A-Class owners, who are asked to contact their most convenient Mercedes-Benz retailer to arrange a free-of-charge repair.

Another German car-maker on the recall list is Audi. The company is contacting owners of V8 and V12-engined A8 models sold nationally between 2012 and 2016 to address a problem in the power steering system that could cause a leak of hydraulic fluid with the risk of “reduced or complete” power steering failure.

This, according to Audi, “may lead to hydraulic fluid leaking into the engine compartment and igniting a fire if it comes into contact with hot components. If this was to occur it could increase the likelihood of a crash with potential for injury to occupants and other road users.”

Audi says the problem affects 108 vehicles and “all known” owners will be contacted to arrange free-of-charge correction and repair.

For further information, Audi’s 24-hour toll-free number is 1800 50 2834.

Subaru is also among those issuing recall notices to owners of 2019 Impreza and XV models to fix potential problems caused by incorrectly-manufactured locking mechanisms in the rear seat belts. These may fail to lock the belt and leave the occupant incorrectly restrained, with the attendant risk of “injury or death”.

Subaru is contacting owners of affected vehicles to arrange a free inspection and repair. For further information Subaru suggests customers contact their nearest dealership or call the Subaru customer relations team on 1300 550 994 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm AEST).

The problem affects a total of 721 vehicles sold nationally by Subaru dealers during 2019.