2003 to 2005 Toyota models sold in the United States and Canada are being recalled over concerns that a part inside the air bags could cause serious injury.
• Also read: Toyota suspends deliveries of ten diesel models due to manipulated test scandal
“The decomposition of the fuel creates excessive internal pressure when the airbag is deployed, which leads to the gas generator bursting. If the inflator ruptures, metal fragments could penetrate the airbag material, striking vehicle occupants and potentially causing serious injury or death,” Toyota's recall states.
The automaker therefore issued an “immediate notice” to no longer drive the 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix models sold in our southern neighbors, as well as the 2004-2005 RAV4 sold in our southern neighbors, while around 50,000 vehicles from would be affected by the recall, according to a press release consulted by the BBC.
- Car lover? Hear The car driver with automotive journalist Antoine Joubert on the website QUB :
“The stop driving notification is sent to vehicle owners who have not completed a recall process for their vehicle after numerous communication attempts,” Toyota spokesman Philippe Crowe said in an email to Global News on Tuesday.
“The next step is for owners of affected vehicles to contact a Toyota dealer to have the recall process completed free of charge.”
This news is just the latest related to Takata airbags, which, according to the BBC, resulted in the largest automotive safety recall in history, involving more than 100 million products and more than 20 car manufacturers.
According to British media, more than 30 deaths have been caused by these Japanese brand inflatable bags since 2009.
To check whether your vehicle may be affected, you can visit Toyota.ca/recall.
Here is the list of cars affected by the recall in Canada
Airbag gas generator, passenger side:
· Toyota Corolla, 2003 to 2013
· Toyota Matrix, 2003 to 2014
· Toyota Tundra, 2003 to 2006
· Toyota Sequoia, 2002 to 2007
· Lexus SC 430, 2002 to 2010
· Toyota Yaris hatchback, 2006 to 2011
· Toyota Yaris sedan, 2007 and 2012
· Toyota 4Runner, 2010 to 2016
· Toyota Sienna, 2011 to 2014
· Scion xB, 2010 to 2015
· Lexus IS250/350, 2006 to 2013
· Lexus IS250C/350C, 2010 to 2015
· Lexus IS-F, 2008 to 2014
· Lexus ES350, 2007 to 2012
· Lexus LFA, 2012
· Lexus GX460, 2010 to 2017
Airbag gas generator, driver side:
· Toyota RAV4, 2004 and 2005