Toyota forced to recall 19,000 cars over fuel leaks

Scare: the Toyota Avensis model that will be recalled

11 April 2012

Car manufacturer Toyota is recalling nearly 19,000 cars in Britain due to potential problems with their fuel systems, it was announced today.

Toyota Avensis and Lexus IS 250 models could be at risk of fuel leaks and will need to be modified.

According to Toyota, there have been no accidents suspected of being related to the defects, but it is the latest in a series of quality control woes for the Japanese car maker.

Officials said they are writing to the owners of the affected vehicles to arrange repairs. A statement released by the company said: "As a result of customer feedback worldwide, Toyota GB today announced it would recall a number of its Toyota Avensis and Lexus IS 250 models in the UK to carry out modifications.

"It is working with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency to contact registered owners and keepers." About 15,500 British owners of Toyota Avensis 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol engine models, produced between July 2000 and September 2008, are eligible for the free repair.

Approximately 3,100 UK-registered Lexus IS 250 petrol engine vehicles, produced between August 2007 and February 2009, are also affected.

Nearly 1.7 million Toyota vehicles are being recalled worldwide.