Toyota recalls 1 million vehicles due to airbag defect posing deployment risk

Toyota Motor Co has announced a recall of 1 million vehicles due to a defect that could compromise the deployment of airbags, potentially heightening the risk of injury.

The recall encompasses various Toyota and Lexus models with production years spanning from 2020 to 2022, including popular models such as Avalon, Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Corolla, as well as hybrids of these models. Lexus models affected by the recall include the ES250 sedan and the RX350 SUV.

The issue at hand involves sensors in the front passenger seat that may have been improperly manufactured. These sensors could be prone to short-circuiting, leading to a malfunction in the airbag system’s ability to accurately determine the occupant’s weight. Consequently, the airbags may fail to deploy in specific types of collisions.

To address this concern, Toyota and Lexus dealers will conduct inspections on the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors and replace them if necessary, with no cost incurred by vehicle owners. Notification to affected customers is expected to be completed by mid-February 2024.

Concerned Toyota owners can obtain additional details by contacting 1-800-331-4331, while Lexus vehicle owners can call 1-800-255-3987 for more information regarding the recall.

The comprehensive recall list includes various models from both Toyota and Lexus, emphasising the commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of their vehicles.

Toyota’s earlier recall 

It is Toyota’s third major recall in recent months. In November, the company recalled 1.9 million RAV4 sport utility vehicles in the U.S. because the batteries can shift during sharp turns and potentially cause a fire.

Toyota on October 26 also recalled roughly 751,000 Toyota Highlander SUVs in the U.S. to fix a problem with the tabs that secure the vehicles’ front lower bumper covers. Even a minor crash could cause the bumper cover assembly to fall off, a potential hazard to drivers, the company said.

Other automaker recalls

There have been substantial recalls by General Motors (GM), Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota, and Hyundai. They all have vehicles with the ARC Automotive inflators, contributing to concerns across the automotive industry. 

ARC Automotive has resisted the NHTSA’s recall request, leading to a scheduled hearing to determine the necessity of a comprehensive recall. The NHTSA is urging for a wide-scale recall to address the risk posed by these air-bag inflators.