Toyota Motor Corporation is recalling approximately 1.12 million vehicles worldwide due to a potential airbag issue. This recall affects certain vehicles sold in the United States, Japan and Europe, and includes the Corolla, Corolla Axio, Corolla Levin, Corolla Touring Wagon, and Avensis models. According to Toyota, there is a potential problem with the airbag inflator and it could cause the airbags to deploy unexpectedly. This may cause injury to the vehicle’s occupants.
In the United States, about 615,000 vehicles are being recalled. The vehicles affected by this recall were manufactured between January 2006 and December 2008 and includes the 2007-09 Corolla, 2009 Corolla Matrix, 2008-09 Scion xB, 2007-08 Toyota Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, and Lexus IS SportCross. The vehicles affected in Japan include the Corolla Axio, Corolla Levin, and Corolla Touring Wagon, along with select Toyota Mark X and Crown Royal Saloon models. In Europe, the vehicles affected include the Corolla, Avensis, and RAV4 models sold between 2003 and 2006.
Toyota’s recall news comes hot on the heels of their previous one concerning a potential fire hazard. This issue affects 752,000 vehicles in the US, including certain model years of the Corolla, Rav4, and Matrix models. Toyota has urged customers affected by this recall to contact their nearest dealership and arrange to have a free inspection and repair done.
Toyota is the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer and has a long history of quality customer service and reliable products. It remains to be seen whether the company will be able to effectively address these two recalls and assure customers of the safety of their vehicles. Until then, customers should be sure to follow all recall instructions from their local Toyota dealer.