Toyota models dating from 2003 to 2005, which were sold in the United States and Canada, are being recalled over concerns that a part inside the airbags threatens to cause serious injury.
“Propellant degradation creates excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys and causes the inflator to rupture. If the inflator ruptures, metal fragments could pass through the airbag material, striking vehicle occupants and potentially resulting in serious injury or death,” Toyota’s recall states.
The automaker thus issued an “immediate notice” not to drive the 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix models, as well as the 2004-2005 RAV4 sold in our southern neighbors, while around 50,000 vehicles would be affected by the recall, according to a press release consulted by the BBC.
“The stop driving notice is sent to vehicle owners who, after numerous attempts to communicate, have not had a recall procedure applied to their vehicle,” said Philippe Crowe, spokesperson. word at Toyota, in an email sent to Global News on Tuesday.
“The next step is for owners of affected vehicles to contact a Toyota dealership to have the recall process completed free of charge.”
This advisory is just the latest regarding Takata brand airbags, which resulted in the largest automotive safety recall in history, involving more than 100 million products and more than 20 manufacturers automobiles, according to the BBC.
Since 2009, more than 30 deaths have been caused by these inflatable bags produced by the Japanese brand, according to the British media.
To check if your vehicle could be affected, you can go to the Toyota.ca/recall website.
Here is the list of cars affected by the recall in Canada
Airbag inflator, passenger side:
· Toyota Corolla, 2003 to 2013
· Toyota Matrix, 2003 to 2014
· Toyota Tundra, 2003 to 2006
· Toyota Sequoia, 2002 to 2007
· Lexus SC 430, 2002 to 2010
· Toyota Yaris Hatchback, 2006 to 2011
· Toyota Yaris Sedan, 2007 and 2012
· Toyota 4Runner, 2010 to 2016
· Toyota Sienna, 2011 to 2014
· Scion xB, 2010 to 2015
· Lexus IS250/350, 2006 to 2013
· Lexus IS250C/350C, 2010 to 2015
· Lexus IS-F, 2008 to 2014
· Lexus ES350, 2007 to 2012
· Lexus LFA, 2012
· Lexus GX460, 2010 to 2017
Airbag inflator, driver side:
· Toyota RAV4, 2004 and 2005
