Tokyo, Feb 18 (IANS): Japanese car-making giant Toyota on Thursday announced it was recalling some 2.9 million sport utility vehicles (SUVs) worldwide due to safety concerns.

The recall will include RAV4's of model years 2006-2012 and 2012-2014, and the Vanguard vehicle, EFE news reported.

In the US alone, about 1,124,000 RAV4's will be recalled, after it was found the seat belts might not properly hold passengers in case of a serious accident, the company said.

"In the event of a very severe frontal crash, the lap belt webbing could contact a portion of the metal seat cushion frame, become cut, and separate. If this occurs, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury," it said.

The recall applies to to North America, Europe, China and Japan.

The world's largest car maker has been notified of two crashes - one in the US and the other in Canada - where seat belts in the vehicles' back seat had detached, though it was not known if any casualties resulted.

Owners of those RAV4 models to be recalled will be notified by first class mail and Toyota dealers will install resin covers to the metal seat cushion frame for free, the company added.