Toyota has initiated a recall of numerous of its top-selling models due to a malfunction in the airbag sensor that may hinder the airbag deployment during an accident, as revealed by NHTSA on Monday. This issue is distinct from the Takata airbag recall that has caused turmoil in the automotive industry over the past few years, constituting the most extensive automotive recall in history.
The airbag sensor problem affecting Toyota and Lexus vehicles is quite substantial, covering a total of 999,901 vehicles produced between 2020 and 2022.
This issue specifically impacts vehicles equipped with Occupant Classification System sensors designed to detect the presence of an individual in the front passenger seat. During production by the supplier, the circuit board might have been misshapen, permitting moisture to infiltrate the capacitor within the circuit. If the sensor integrity has been compromised, the SRS warning light and a “Passenger Airbag OFF” indicator will illuminate on the dashboard, even if a passenger is seated. An additional alert may also appear, ultimately resulting in the failure of the front passenger airbag to deploy in the event of a collision.
Toyota estimates that merely 0.2% of the nearly one million recalled vehicles are affected by this issue. The list of vehicles included in the recall are as follows:
– Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid (2020-2021)
– Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid (2020-2022)
– Toyota Corolla (2020-2021)
– Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid (2020-2021)
– Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid (2020-2021)
– Toyota Sienna Hybrid (2021)
– Lexus ES 250 (2021)
– Lexus ES 350 (2020-2021)
– Lexus ES 300h (2020-2022)
– Lexus RX 350 and 450h (2020-2021)
Vehicle owners will receive a notification via mail starting from February 4, 2024, instructing them to visit a Toyota/Lexus dealership for a sensor inspection and potential replacement at no cost. Those who have already incurred expenses for the replacement are eligible for reimbursement.
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