Toyota to recall 1million hybrid models globally over wiring issue

Toyota Motor Corp. says it plans to recall around 1.03 million vehicles, including its gasoline-hybrid Prius model in Japan and other regions, due to an issue with the engine wire harness which can pose a fire risk.

Toyota spokesman Jean-Yves Jault said on Wednesday in Tokyo that the issue affected vehicles produced in Japan between June 2015 and May 2018.

Jault said the vehicles included the plug-in version of the Prius and the C-HR compact crossover SUV sold in Japan, Europe, Australia and other countries.

According to him, in the affected vehicles, the wire harness which connects to the hybrid power control unit can come into contact with the covering at the connection point.

“If dust accumulates on the wire harness or the cover, the insulation on the wires could wear down over time due to vehicle vibrations.

“This could cause an electrical short circuit, which could generate heat and lead to a risk of fire,” Toyota said.

“Roughly half of the recalls would take place in Japan.”

Jault added that the issue had led to one incident of a short circuiting in Japan which produced smoke from the vehicle, prompting a domestic recall announcement by Japan’s transport ministry.