Toyota recalls 50,000 vehicles in US over airbag
CONNECTICUT-Toyota is urging the owners of 50,000 older vehicles to stop driving the cars immediately and get their airbags fixed. According to the voluntary recall, the vehicles should not be driven until their faulty airbags have been repaired or replaced.
The recall notice, issued on Thursday, covers these models:
- 2003-2004 Corolla
- 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix
- 2004-2005 RAV4
Because of the age of the airbags, it’s more likely that a part inside could explode and shoot sharp metal fragments, which could lead to serious injury or even death, the automaker said.
More than 30 deaths worldwide, including 26 U.S. deaths, and hundreds of injuries in various automakers’ vehicles since 2009 are linked to Takata air bag inflators that can explode, unleashing metal shrapnel inside cars and trucks.
The automaker said the airbag will be repaired or replaced for free.
You can check if your vehicle is part of the recall by entering your VIN number or license number at Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls. Car owners can also call Toyota customer support at the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.