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Toyota Halts Sales of Some Models to Replace Seat Materials
Toyota Motor Corp. is suspending sales of several 2014 model cars and trucks in the U.S. because their heated seats don't meet U.S. flame retardant standards.
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Toyota Motor Corp. is suspending sales of several 2014 model cars and trucks in the U.S. because their heated seats don't meet U.S. flame retardant standards.
The company tells Forbes that the fabric material to which the heating element is attached does not comply with federal flame-retardant standards. The company says it intends to make unspecified modifications to the seats in about 36,000 affected vehicles in U.S. dealer inventory.
Toyota will make unspecified modifications to the seats in affected Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Corolla sedans, Sienna minivan and Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks. For now, there are no plans to repair vehicles already sold to consumers.
The company has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which will decide whether to order a recall. Toyota reports no incidents related to the defect, which it describes as "inconsequential" to occupant safety.
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