The relentless series of recalls plaguing the automobile industry continues unabated, with Toyota being the latest victim. In what seems to be a recurrent trend, Toyota has been compelled to initiate another broad recall, this time centered around a critical safety feature – the airbag. An article on The Scioto Post released on July 25th, 2023, highlights the issue in detail.
Faulty Air Bag Connection Prompts Recall
According to the report, Toyota is conducting a non-compliance safety recall involving a staggering 110,000 vehicles in the U.S. Models included in this recall are 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross hybrid, Highlander, Highlander hybrid, Tacoma, as well as Lexus RX and RX hybrid and 2024 model year NX and NX hybrid.
The concern is that the spiral cable assembly in the steering column, which controls the driver’s airbag, could lose its electrical connection. If this occurs, the driver’s airbag may not deploy in a crash. The issue not only fails to meet certain federal motor vehicle safety requirements, but also significantly heightens the risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.
Toyota’s Response
Toyota is notifying affected owners about this airbag issue by early September 2023. For all involved vehicles, Toyota and Lexus dealers will inspect the serial number of the spiral cable and, if necessary, replace it with a new cable at no cost to customers.
This is yet another blow to the auto giant’s reputation, which has been battered by a series of recalls in recent times. It also underscores the need for stringent quality control measures and extensive pre-launch testing of vehicles to avert such issues.
If you own any of the listed models, it’s important to confirm if your vehicle is included in the recall. You can do this by visiting Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information. Should you have any additional questions, you can reach out to the Toyota Brand Engagement Center (1-800-331-4331) for Toyota vehicles, or the Lexus Brand Engagement Center (1-800-255-3987) for Lexus vehicles.
Concluding Thoughts
As Toyota grapples with the impact of this recall, it’s crucial that they swiftly rectify the issue and work to regain consumer trust. The frequency of recalls in recent times underlines the importance of manufacturers investing in rigorous safety checks and maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation, and always remember, safety should be paramount when it comes to driving.