Toyota has issued a global recall of six million vehicles because of safety issues. 8,440 Irish models are affected in the operation. The Japanese company said the announcement covers three issues affecting RAV4, Hilux, Yaris and Urban Cruiser models.
The recall of Toyota, Hilux and RAV4 models manufactured between June 2004 to December 2010 involves 4,937 vehicles.
The company says the driver's airbag module is connected to the airbag control unit by a flexible flat cable (FFC) and some of the wires can become damaged when the steering wheel is being turned.
If this happens, the airbag warning light will come on and the driver’s airbag may become de-activated.
The carmaker said "There have been no reports worldwide of any accidents or injuries related to these issues".
Toyota Yaris and Urban Cruiser models manufactured between January 2005 to August 2010 are also being called in, which involves 3,475 vehicles.
This issue relates to the spring mechanism which locks the seat rail in its adjusting positions, which could break if the seat is adjusted forward and backwards with very frequently.
"If the spring breaks, the seat may not lock into the adjusted position" the firm adds.
Writing to affected owners
And the Toyota Yaris T Sport and Urban Cruiser models manufactured between September 2005 to February 2009 involving 19 Urban Cruiser and 9 Yaris T Sport vehicles are also being recalled.
This is because when the steering wheel is turned repeatedly with full force, the bracket fixing the steering column to the instrument panel may become unstable. If this occurs an "abnormal noise" comes from the bracket area.
If the vehicle continues to be driven under these conditions it is possible the bracket will fail, causing the column to tilt out of position.
Toyota Ireland says it will be writing directly to those owners involved to arrange to have their vehicles inspected by their local dealer at no cost to them.
Customers who have a query can contact their local dealer, or Toyota Ireland on 01-4190-222.
Tokyo-listed shares for the company were down more than 3% on the Nikkei after the news was announced on Wednesday. Some of the affected vehicles were made in France, with the majority built in Japan.
Toyota was once renowned for impeccable build quality but that reputation has been hit in recent years. In 2012, it recalled more than 3 million vehicles over safety issues and last February 1.9 million Prius Hybrids were recalled.
The Toyota announcement is the latest in a series of high-profile recalls to hit the sector.
General Motors recently recalled more than 2.4 million North American vehicles over ignition switch issues - with its CEO grilled by politicians in Washington DC - while the world's second biggest carmaker, Volkswagen, recalled 2.6 million vehicles late last year.
