Toyota recalls more than 1m RAV4 SUVs on seat-belt flaw

[WASHINGTON] Toyota Motor Corp. said it's recalling 1.12 million SUVs because their seat belts can be cut by the metal seat-cushion frames, in another case of a safety device that can potentially harm vehicle occupants.

The second-row seat belts in the 2006-2014 RAV4 and the 2012-2014 RAV4 electric models can come undone in a severe frontal crash, failing to restrain the occupants, the Toyota City, Japan-based company said in a statement on Wednesday.

RAV4 owners will be notified by mail, Toyota said. Dealers will install resin covers for the metal seat frames at no cost to the consumer.

Toyota is one of 14 manufacturers recalling approximately 24 million vehicles, as part of the largest US auto-safety recall, to replace inflators to prevent Takata Corp. air bags from exploding. Older RAV4 models are included in that recall.

Toyota spokesman John Hanson didn't immediately respond to an e-mail question about any fatalities or injuries in the affected cars.

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