Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Toyota recalling Scion tC over shattering wind deflector

Associated Press

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WASHINGTON -- Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling some models of the Scion tC amid reports that a glass wind deflector, located near the moonroof, may shatter when struck by road debris.

The automaker said the recall involves about 71,000 vehicles from the 2005-06 model years of the tC sport coupes in the United States.

The Scion brand has been popular with younger buyers.

Toyota said the wind deflector tilts up when the moonroof is opened and could shatter when struck by road debris and separate from the frame at highway speeds. In the worst case, pieces of the wind deflector could fall onto motorists inside the vehicle, causing injuries or distractions.

The recall, announced Tuesday, is expected to begin in late October.

Toyota said there have been three reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Customers could reduce the likelihood of the deflector shattering by not opening the moonroof until the vehicle is repaired, Toyota said.

Dealers will repair the vehicles at no charge to the owners, the automaker said.

On the Net:
Toyota Motor Co.: http://www.toyota.com National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov