DETROIT (AP) -- Toyota has told North American dealers to stop selling six popular models with heated seats because the fabric doesn't comply with U.S. safety codes and potentially could catch fire.





Toyota doesn't know yet how long the repairs will take. Hanson said a replacement material is being manufactured and already is being installed at factories. Dealers will use the material to fix cars now on their lots. "We don't think it will take long to get the parts and make the changes," Hanson said. "I don't have any numbers on the timing."


As for vehicles already on the road, Toyota contends a recall isn't necessary since there have been no fires or incidents, Hanson said. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will decide if a recall is needed. A NHTSA spokesman said he would check into the matter.

Earl Stewart, owner of a dealership in North Palm Beach, Fla., said he can sell only a few of the 30 Avalon full-size cars on his lot because most have heated leather seats. "Hopefully we'll get some parts in where we can get them fixed by the end of February," he said. Other models such as the Camry aren't as affected because they are more often sold with unheated cloth seats, he said.

The timing couldn't be worse. With much of the nation in the midst of a record cold snap, people will take heat wherever they can get it. "There's sure to be high demand for models with seat heaters," said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.


Toyota is the global leader in sales, ahead of General Motors and Volkswagen. It has struggled to regain its once sterling reputation for quality after announcing massive recalls over several years, starting in 2009, for a variety of defects including braking, accelerators and floor mats.