Car makers to recall cars over airbag defect

Japan's top car makers are recalling a total of 3.4 million cars over a defect in passenger air bags.

Toyota, which is recalling 1.73 million cars, said the vehicles had a defective part which "could cause the air bag inflator to rupture and deploy the air bag abnormally in a crash".

Globally, Honda is recalling 1.13 million cars, Nissan almost 500,000 and Mazda 45,000.

In the UK, Toyota, Nissan and Honda are all recalling certain models.

The cars were sold in the years 2000-04, and the firms said the defective part was supplied by parts maker Takata Corp.

UK models affected include:

76,000 Toyota vehicles, including Corolla and Yaris,
60,000 Nissans, including X-Trail, Patrol, Almera, Almera Tino, Terrano II and Navara
and 15,400 Hondas, most of them CRVs, but including 400 Jazz and Civic models.

Nissan advised UK customers to contact garages where the cars were bought or call 01923 899334.

Global car giants are usually quick to recall vehicles for inspection and repair as soon as they are aware of a fault.

These generally tend to be minor and it is rare that they are linked to accidents or fatalities.

All four car makers have said that they will replace the defective parts for free.