CARS
Toyota recalls 50,000 cars over airbag malfunctions: list of models affected
The Japanese car company is dealing with yet more airbag problems after a huge recall of a million vehicles last year.
If you own a two-decade old Toyota then pay attention, your vehicle could be due for a recall.
The owners of the vehicles listed below are under a voluntary recall which will be undertaken for free by Toyota:
- 2003-2004 Corolla
- 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix
- 2004-2005 RAV4
“Owners SHOULD NOT DRIVE these vehicles until the FREE safety recall repair has been conducted,” Toyota said in the statement.
The issue with these vehicles is a faulty airbag. As the cars have aged, the casing holding the charge for the airbags has weakened, meaning if they are set off then potentially lethal shrapnel could hit the passengers. At least 26 people have been killed in the US by this fault since May 2009.
The company is still dealing with the recall of one million vehicles from last year due to another airbag problem.
How to check if your vehicle is due for a recall
If you don’t want to wait for Toyota’s notification to find out if you are affected, you can check the Toyota recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website yourself using your license plate information or your Vehicle Identification Number.
Toyota customer support can be called for the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.