Toyota has announced a recall of over one million vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential defect in the front passenger seat airbag system. This defect could prevent the airbag from deploying correctly in a crash, significantly increasing the risk of injury.
The recall affects various 2020-2022 Toyota and Lexus models, including popular vehicles like the Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and Highlander. The issue stems from potentially faulty Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat.
This recall impacts a substantial number of vehicles across several model years. Specifically, the following models are included:
Toyota:
- Avalon, Avalon Hybrid (2020-2021)
- Camry, Camry Hybrid (2020-2021)
- Corolla (2020-2021)
- Highlander, Highlander Hybrid (2020-2021)
- RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid (2020-2021)
- Sienna Hybrid (2021)
Lexus:
- ES250 (2021)
- ES300H (2020-2022)
- ES350 (2020-2021)
- RX350 (2020-2021)
- RX450H (2020-2021)
According to Toyota, improperly manufactured OCS sensors may cause a short circuit, preventing the airbag system from accurately assessing the occupant’s weight. This malfunction could lead to the airbag not deploying as intended in certain crash scenarios.
Toyota plans to notify affected vehicle owners by mid-February 2024. Owners should then take their vehicles to authorized Toyota and Lexus dealerships for inspection. Dealers will inspect the OCS sensors and replace them free of charge if necessary.
To determine if your Toyota vehicle is included in this recall or any others, visit Toyota.com/recall and enter the required information. For any vehicle, regardless of the manufacturer, you can check for recalls by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website: nhtsa.gov.
For further information or concerns regarding this recall, Toyota owners can contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331. Lexus owners can contact the Lexus Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-255-3987.
This recall follows another recent recall involving approximately 750,000 Toyota Highlander SUVs due to a safety issue with the front lower bumper cover. Earlier this year, Toyota also faced scrutiny after revealing a data breach that exposed the location data of over two million customers’ vehicles for a decade.
This recall underscores the importance of staying informed about potential safety issues with your vehicle. Regularly checking for recalls is a crucial step in ensuring your safety and the safety of your passengers. Promptly addressing any recall notices you receive can help mitigate potential risks and maintain the proper functioning of your vehicle’s safety systems.
