Toyota has started a massive recall of over 50,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to airbags that could “explode and shoot sharp metal” at customers, and it’s not the first time.
Urgent Warning from Toyota
Toyota has issued an immediate do-not-drive advisory for specific vehicle models due to a defect in Takata airbags.
Takata Airbags at the Center of the Issue
The recall targets the 2003-2004 Corolla, Corolla Matrix, and 2004-2005 RAV4 vehicles for their defective Takata airbags.
Serious Risk Posed
According to the Japanese company, Takata airbags in these models pose a serious risk of explosion and the ejection of sharp metal fragments.
Exploding Airbags Recalled
Toyota said in a statement that the airbags have the potential to “explode and shoot sharp metal fragments” at passengers.
Serious Injuries and Fatalities
Toyota explicitly warns that the malfunctioning airbags could cause severe injuries or even fatalities to both drivers and passengers.
Toyota to Rectify the Issue
Toyota has assured affected vehicle owners that it will replace the faulty airbags free of charge.
Impact on Thousands of Vehicles
The scale of the recall is massive, with potentially 50,000 vehicles in the United States and an additional 7,300 in Canada in need of repair.
Toyota Representatives Unreachable
Toyota representatives in North America could not immediately be reached for comment, leaving owners seeking information.
Toyota’s Wider Crisis
This recall severely affected Toyota’s reputation as they are in the middle of a manufacturing and PR crises, “We deeply apologize to our customers,” Toyota said in a statement.
Toyota’s Apology
Toyota also said it apologizes to “all other stakeholders for the significant inconvenience and concern that this has caused.”
Takata Airbags’ Troubled History
Takata airbags have a notorious history, being responsible for at least 27 deaths and 400 injuries, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Nine Models Affected
Toyota announced they would halt shipments for nine models, and the incident was caused because of “a lack of communication.”
Toyota’s Testing Issue
Toyota said that “output testing operations were conducted without sufficient agreement on the testing process and procedure.”
Impact on Thousands of Vehicles Monthly
Approximately 36,000 vehicles, including Land Cruiser 300 models, Hilux pickup trucks, and Innova models, are produced worldwide every month.
Toyota Industries Corporation’s Role
The testing company, Toyota Industries Corporation, used diesel engine components with different software during certification tests, leading to a lack of accuracy.
Japanese Transportation Ministry Expresses Deep Regret
The Japanese Transportation Ministry expressed deep regret about the certification test irregularities, stating that they “shake the foundation of the automobile certification system.”
Ministry Pledges Strict Action
The Transportation Ministry pledged to thoroughly investigate the matter and take strict action based on its findings.
Another Affiliate’s Admission of Irregularities
Daihatsu Motor Co., another Toyota affiliate, admitted to possible irregularities in more than two dozen certification tests last month.
Daihatsu’s Pixis Joy Models
Daihatsu announced a recall of Pixis Joy models sold by Toyota due to a defect that could cause all doors to lock during a collision.
Over 10 Million Vehicles in 2023
Despite the backlash from both recalls, Toyota reported impressive global sales of over 10 million vehicles in 2023.
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