Toyota is conducting a safety recall involving certain 2003–’05 Toyota Corollas, 2002–’05 Toyota Sequoias, 2003–’05 Toyota Tundras, and 2002–’05 Lexus SCs sold in the U.S. Approximately 65,000 vehicles are involved in the recall, each of which was subject to previous recalls in which front passenger airbag inflators were replaced with new, Takata-produced, non-desiccated airbag inflators.
Toyota dealers will be tasked with replacing the front passenger airbag inflator or airbag assembly with an improved one produced by non-Takata suppliers. Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified starting in early January.
The factory learned a safety defect may arise in Takata’s replacement inflators due to propellant degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity and high temperature cycling. Activation of an inflator with degraded propellant may result in an airbag inflator rupture, which could cause sharp metal fragments to pass through the airbag and spray directly at the driver and passengers.
“Toyota’s and other automakers’ outreach to involved owners of vehicles equipped with Takata airbags is designed to help resolve this issue as quickly, conveniently, and safely as possible,” a company statement read, in part.
The Takata airbag recall is among the largest in automotive industry history, including as many as 70 million units built by 19 automakers.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today, a Bobit publication.
