"Toyota has determined that the seatbelt pre-tensioner deployment may affect the sound-insulating foam in the center pillar following a collision," said the automaker in a statement on Wednesday.
"There are no reported cases of this condition in the United States, and no other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved," said Toyota in a statement.
The U.S. recall is part of a larger global recall of more than 1.35 million Toyota Vitz, Belta and Ractis cars built from January 2005 to April 2008, according to Reuters. That recall involves a defect in the seatbelt, a component in the exhaust system or both. One case of fire was reported in Japan due to the faulty seatbelt design, which could cause a noise-absorber device to melt when the seatbelt tensioner is activated in a collision.
The U.S. recall will begin in early February. Owners can contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331.
Inside Line says: If you own a 2006-'07 Toyota Yaris, have it checked out with your dealer ASAP. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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