Toyota Motor issued a warning on Monday, urging the owners of approximately 50,000 older U.S. vehicles to immediately address recall repairs. The advisory emphasizes the potential danger of an airbag inflator exploding, posing a lethal threat to motorists.
The “Do Not Drive” advisory specifically covers certain models from the 2003-2004 Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and 2004-2005 RAV4, all equipped with Takata airbag inflators. The recall is prompted by the global issue of Takata airbag inflators, which has been linked to over 30 deaths worldwide, including 26 in the United States, and numerous injuries since 2009. The defect causes the inflators to explode, releasing metal shrapnel inside vehicles.
This latest recall by Toyota is part of a broader trend, with over 67 million Takata airbag inflators recalled in the United States by more than 20 automakers over the past decade. Globally, the number exceeds 100 million inflators, marking the largest auto safety callback in history.
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In Toyota’s case, the RAV4 recall specifically pertains to the driver’s airbag, while the recalls for the Corolla and Corolla Matrix models involve the front passenger airbag. Additionally, certain Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles are subject to a second recall, addressing a potential issue where the airbag may deploy without a crash.
Despite the severity of the situation, Toyota has not disclosed whether the “Do Not Drive” advisory was prompted by a specific serious injury or fatal incident involving one of the affected vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet commented on the matter.
Other automakers, including Stellantis and Honda, have issued similar warnings in the past due to Takata airbag inflator issues. Stellantis, in July, urged owners of 2003 Dodge Ram pickups to cease driving after a fatal incident, while Honda issued a “Do Not Drive” warning in February 2023 after a death in Bowling Green, Kentucky, linked to a faulty Takata airbag inflator.
It remains a significant challenge for the automotive industry to address the widespread impact of Takata airbag inflator defects, emphasizing the critical importance of prompt recalls and repairs to ensure driver safety.
