Toyota RAV4 Recall R/2022/326: The Force-limiter In The Seat Belt Retractor May Not Operate As Designed, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 23 Jan 2023
- Launched
- 2
- vehicles in the UK
- 22SMD-109
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Toyota recalled RAV4 vehicles built between 7 August 2003 and 9 September 2005. The subject front seat belt assemblies are service parts designed for certain Toyota and Lexus models containing a seat belt retractor with a force-limiter function using a torsion shaft which helps control the loads on the occupant applied by the shoulder belt after the seat belt retractor locks up during a crash. The recall notice describes the fix as: to inspect and replace the seat belt assembly if required. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The subject front seat belt assemblies are service parts designed for certain Toyota and Lexus models containing a seat belt retractor with a force-limiter function using a torsion shaft which helps control the loads on the occupant applied by the shoulder belt after the seat belt retractor locks up during a crash. During production the torsion shaft may have been manufactured incorrectly and the seat belt may not operate as designed allowing the seat belt to extend further than intended after locking. This can increase the amount of forward displacement of the occupant increasing the risk of an injury in the event of a crash severe enough to activate a force-limiter.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: The force-limiter in the seat belt retractor may not operate as designed Defect: The subject front seat belt assemblies are service parts designed for certain Toyota and Lexus models containing a seat belt retractor with a force-limiter function using a torsion shaft which helps control the loads on the occupant applied by the shoulder belt after the seat belt retractor locks up during a crash. During production the torsion shaft may have been manufactured incorrectly and the seat belt may not operate as designed allowing the seat belt to extend further than intended after locking. This can increase the amount of forward displacement of the occupant increasing the risk of an injury in the event of a crash severe enough to activate a force-limiter. Remedy: To inspect and replace the seat belt assembly if required.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could increase the risk of an injury in the event of a crash severe enough to activate a force-limiter.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: to inspect and replace the seat belt assembly if required.
Are You Affected?
RAV4 built between 7 August 2003 and 9 September 2005 may be included. Toyota estimates 2 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Toyota, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Toyota.
- Book with any franchised Toyota dealer, quoting the campaign code 22SMD-109 or the DVSA reference R/2022/326. See how to get a Toyota recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BZ4X, C-HR, Highlander, Landcruiser and 3 moreParking Assist ECU reprogram on multiple models | Low | R/2025/466 | |
| C-HR, C-HR Plug IN, Corolla, Corolla Cross and 6 moreCombination meter reprogramming on multiple models | Low | R/2025/270 | |
| Aygo, BZ4X, C-HR, Corolla and 6 moreOn affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result the vehicles do not comply with relevant regulations | Urgent | R/2023/279 | |
| Corolla, Highlander, Mirai, RAV4 and 1 moreThe emergency calling system (ecall) may not function when required | Book soon | R/2021/315 | |
| Auris, Avensis, Corolla, RAV4There is a possibility that the exhaust gas recirculation cooler could develop an internal coolant leak | Low | R/2021/104 |
This is one of 250 Toyota recalls in DVSA’s data. The Toyota recall launched before it was R/2022/361 on 21 Dec 2022, for the DCM (Data Communication Module) was not activated prior to delivery. The one launched after it was R/2022/346 on 23 Jan 2023, for driver's air bag inflator may rupture upon deployment. You can also see every Toyota recall, the Toyota RAV4 recall history, all recalls launched in 2023 and seat belt recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2022/326, launched 23 January 2023. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.