Toyota Recalls 50,000 Vehicles In US Over Airbag Defects

From 2003 to 2005, the "Do Not Drive" advisory applies to models from some of the world's largest automakers.

Air bag inflators made by Takata have been connected to over 30 fatalities since 2009. In 2017, Takata filed for bankruptcy following over fifteen years of recalls, legal actions, and a criminal investigation in the United States.

Toyota Motor announced yesterday that it is urging owners of 50,000 older US vehicles to seek immediate recall repairs because an air bag inflator could explode, potentially killing drivers.

The Japanese automaker stated that the "Do Not Drive" advisory applies to some 2003-2004 model year Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and 2004-2005 RAV4s equipped with Takata air bag inflators.

Since 2009, Takata air bag inflators have been linked to over 30 deaths worldwide, including 26 in the United States, as well as hundreds of injuries in various automakers' vehicles.

Toyota stated that the RAV4 recall only includes the driver's airbag, whereas the other recalls only include the front passenger airbag. Certain Corolla and Corolla Matrix models are also subject to a second recall, which can cause the airbag to deploy even in the absence of a crash.