The Office of Defects Investigation at NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) on July 19th has issued a recall for TOYOTA / SIENNA  and MAZDA / RX8.

---
Make / Models :           TOYOTA / SIENNA       
Model/Build Years:    2004-2005
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.    
Recall Date : JUL 19, 2005
Component: SEAT BELTS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 345443

Summary: on certain mini vans, in the middle row seating position, the shoulder portion of the seat belt may bind in the bezel trim piece. The affected seat belt bezel is located on the shoulder portion of the seat in the right side seat of the seven passenger models and the center seating position in the eight passenger models.

Consequence: if the seat belt binds in the bezel, that extra webbing may exist in the seat belt which could result in an improperly fitted seat belt on a passenger. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: dealers will inspect the seat belt bezel and replace the bezel and clip, if necessary. The recall is expected to begin during august 2005. Owners should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Notes: customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236; (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

----

Make / Models :      MAZDA / RX8            
Model/Build Years:   2004
Manufacturer : MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS    
Recall Date : JUL 18, 2005
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 27800

Summary: on certain passenger vehicles, due to improper forging of the lower control arm, cracks may occur in the ball joint socket.

Consequence: In severe driving conditions, the ball may separate from the ball joint socket and a loss of steering may occur, which could result in a crash.

Remedy: dealers will repair these vehicles. The recall is expected to begin during august 2005. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Notes: Mazda recall no. 3405g. Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration’s auto safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236; (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.