Toyota recalls 1.7m vehicles globally over ‘fuel leak’

Japanese car manufacturer Toyota is to recall nearly 1.7 million vehicles worldwide over concerns about a possible fuel leakage.About 1.2 million models are being recalled in Japan and 421,000 overseas, including 15,500 Avensis and 3,100 Lexus models in the UK.Japan’s transport ministry said slight cracks could appear in fuel pipes which could cause leakages if untreated.No accidents have been reported because of the flaw, said Toyota.”Slight cracks may appear on the engine fuel pipes. If [the car] continues to be used, the crack may be widened and there may be risks of fuel leakage,” the ministry said in a statement.There have been 140 reports in Japan of the problem.Toyota said that some Lexus models would be included in the recall.Toyota US said it would conduct voluntary recalls of about 245,000 Lexus models. These include GS300/350 models made in 2006 and 2007, IS250s models made between 2006 and early 2009, and Lexus IS350 models produced between 2006 and early 2008.The carmaker said owners of the relevant vehicles would be notified by post.In the UK, Toyota said it would be recalling 15,500 Avensis models made between July 2000 and September 2008, as well 3,100 Lexus IS250 models made between August 2007 and February 2009.These are the latest in a long line of recalls at the world’s largest carmaker.Toyota has now recalled about 12 million cars in the past 18 months, including 14 separate recalls last year.In September 2009, Toyota recalled four million cars after fears that the accelerator pedal could get stuck on the floormat.In January last year, it recalled a further 2.3 million cars to fix potentially faulty accelerator pedals.In August, it recalled a further 1.1 million Corolla and Matrix models over an engine control system fault, and in October it called in more than 1.5 million cars over brake and fuel pump defects.Last month, the carmaker agreed to pay a record fine of $32.4m (£20.8m) in the US, following a $16.4m penalty in April, over its handling of the recalls.Earlier this week, Toyota announced global sales of 8.42 million vehicles, just ahead of General Motors’ 8.39 million, confirming its position as the world’s biggest carmaker for the third year in a row – BBC