Top Japanese automaker Toyota Motor said on Thursday it will recall 651 366 vehicles, mostly in overseas markets, to replace defective tail-lamp covers whose red colour might fade in direct sun.
The recall covers 10 models manufactured between November 1989 and April 2000, the company said.
Listed in the recall are the Toyota Hiace and Regius Ace vans and the Toyota Kyukyusha (ambulance) series, the company said.
In a report to the Japanese Transport Ministry, Toyota said extended exposure to strong sunlight might fade the red colour of tail lamp covers to a level that would not meet safety standards.
Toyota has received five complaints from Japanese motorists but no accidents have been reported in connection with the defect, the company said.
Of the recalled vehicles, about 500 000 were exported, mostly to Britain, Australia and China, a Toyota spokesperson said.
”We will carry out this recall in accordance with the laws of the affected markets,” she said.
She declined to disclose the estimated cost of the recall and whether it would affect the company’s earnings forecast. — Sapa-AFP