Toyota has issued a recall for over 50,000 vehicles in the United States due to concerns that the Takata airbags in the vehicles could explode and cause serious injury or death. The recall covers certain 2003-2004 Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and 2004-2005 RAV4 vehicles.
Toyota has issued a โDo Not Driveโ advisory for owners of 50,000 older vehicles in the US, urging them to get immediate repairs as airbag inflators made by Takata could explode and cause injury or death.ย
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating Takata airbags since 2014, after they were linked to at least 23 deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide. The airbags can explode with excessive force, sending metal fragments into the vehicle cabin.
Toyota Recalls Affected Vehicles
- 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla:ย This recall affects approximately 39,000 Corolla sedans produced between October 20,ย 2001,ย and September 30,ย 2004.
- 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix:ย This recall affects approximately 5,500 Corolla Matrix hatchbacks produced between October 20,ย 2001,ย and September 30,ย 2004.
- 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4:ย This recall affects approximately 5,500 RAV4 SUVs produced between April 1,ย 2003,ย and December 31,ย 2004.
Toyota Recalls What to Do
If you own one of the affected vehicles, you should stop driving it immediately and contact your Toyota dealer to schedule a free repair. The repair involves replacing the Takata airbags with new ones. Toyota emphasizes that these vehicles should not be driven until the airbags are replaced.
Timeline of Events:
- 2009:ย Takata airbags are first linked to a death in the United States.
- 2014:ย NHTSA opens an investigation into Takata airbags.
- 2015:ย Takata recalls millions of vehicles worldwide.
- 2017:ย Takata files for bankruptcy.
- 2024:ย Toyota issues a recall for 50,000 vehicles in the US over Takata airbag concerns.
Since 2009, more than 30 deaths have been linked to airbag inflators produced by Takata.ย If the airbag deploys, a part inside is more likely to explode and shoot sharp metal fragments.
Additional Information:
- Toyota has a website where you can check if your vehicle is affected by the recall:ย https://www.toyota.com/recall
- NHTSA also has a website with information about the Takata airbag recall
Conclusion
This is a serious safety issue, and it is important that all owners of affected vehicles take action to get their vehicles repaired immediately. If you have any questions about the recall, you can contact your Toyota dealer or NHTSA.
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