Recall 08V451000: Hood Latch Defect

MAKE/MODELS: MODEL/BUILD YEARS:

Scion/XB 2008-2009

MANUFACTURER: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC.

MFR'S REPORT DATE: September 05, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V451000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A

COMPONENT: Structure: Body: Hood: Hinge and Attachments

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 64

SUMMARY:
Southeast Toyota is recalling 64 M/Y 2008-2009 Scion XB vehicles installed with the sports grill option and also several radiator grills sold as parts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." It has been determined that should the primary hood latch be released or fail, the plastic upper radiator grill garnish could release the secondary latch and cause the hood to open.

CONSEQUENCE:
During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver possibly cause the hood to strike the roof or the windshield increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Dealers will inspect the sports grill installation and install additional clips to ensure the radiator grill garnish is properly secured. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

NOTES:
Customers may 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.