Toyota has announced an expansion of its airbag recall, including an additional 43,000 vehicles. This brings the total number of vehicles affected by the recall to approximately 153,000. The recall was originally issued in July due to a potential issue that could prevent the airbags from deploying in a crash. The affected vehicles include various models such as the 2023 Corolla sedans, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and Tacoma pickup trucks. Toyota and Lexus dealers will inspect the spiral cable assembly located in the steering column and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners who were part of the original recall have already been notified, while newly affected owners will be notified by early November. If you have any questions, you can contact Toyota or Lexus directly or visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website for more information.

Toyota expands airbag recall

Overview

In a move to prioritize the safety of its customers, Toyota has announced an expansion of its airbag recall. This expansion comes after an initial recall in July, which indicated a potential issue that could prevent the airbags from deploying in the event of a crash. To address this concern, Toyota has included an additional 43,000 vehicles in the recall, bringing the total number of affected vehicles to approximately 153,000. This comprehensive article will provide a detailed overview of the Toyota airbag recall expansion, including the reasons behind the recall, the models affected, the specific issue with the spiral cable assembly, the process of fixing the issue, and the notification process for affected vehicle owners.

Initial recall in July

The initial recall in July was prompted by a concern that the airbags in certain Toyota vehicles might not deploy properly in the event of a crash. Approximately 110,000 vehicles were included in this recall, with Toyota taking immediate action to address the potential issue and ensure the safety of its customers.

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Additional 43,000 vehicles included

To further prioritize safety and address any potential risks, Toyota has decided to expand the airbag recall to include an additional 43,000 vehicles. This brings the total number of affected vehicles to approximately 153,000. By broadening the scope of the recall, Toyota aims to minimize any potential dangers and provide peace of mind to its customers.

Total number of affected vehicles

With the expansion of the airbag recall, Toyota has now identified a combined total of approximately 153,000 vehicles that may be affected by the airbag deployment issue. This represents a significant number of vehicles, underscoring the importance of promptly addressing the concern to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers.

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Models affected

The models affected by the airbag recall include various Toyota vehicles manufactured in recent years. Specifically, the recall includes model-year 2023 Corolla sedans, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid SUVs, as well as Tacoma pickup trucks. Additionally, certain models from the Lexus brand, such as the model-year 2023 RX and RX hybrid SUVs, and the 2024 NX and NX hybrid SUVs, are also affected. However, it is worth noting that these Lexus models are not included in the expansion of the recall. Detailed information about the specific models impacted can be obtained from Toyota or Lexus dealerships.

Issue with the spiral cable assembly

The specific issue identified in the airbag recall is related to the spiral cable assembly, which is located in the steering column of the affected vehicles. There is a potential for the spiral cable to lose its electrical connection with the driver’s airbag, which could prevent the airbag from deploying properly in the event of a crash. This issue poses a potential risk to the driver, as the airbag may not provide the intended protection.

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Fixing the issue

Toyota and Lexus dealerships are taking proactive steps to rectify the airbag deployment issue by offering free inspections and replacements for the affected spiral cable assemblies. The inspection process involves verifying the serial number on the spiral cable assembly to determine if a replacement is necessary. If a replacement is required, it will be performed at no cost to the vehicle owner. By undertaking these measures, Toyota aims to ensure that all vehicles affected by the recall are repaired properly, and the airbag issue is effectively resolved.

Notification process for affected owners

Owners of vehicles included in the initial recall were notified in September about the airbag issue and offered an inspection and potential replacement of the spiral cable assembly. For newly affected owners as a result of the recall expansion, Toyota plans to notify them by early November. The notifications will include detailed information about the airbag deployment issue, the inspection process, and the necessary steps to fix the problem. Toyota will be using various communication channels to reach out to affected owners, including email, postal mail, and phone calls.

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Contact information

If you have any questions or concerns about the airbag recall, Toyota encourages you to reach out to their customer service team. For Toyota-related inquiries, you can contact them at 800-331-4331, and for Lexus-related inquiries, you can reach out to 800-255-3987. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 can provide further assistance and information. You can also visit Toyota’s website or Lexus’s website to check your vehicle identification number, learn more about the recall, and access additional resources.

Additional resources

To ensure that vehicle owners have access to the necessary information and guidance related to the airbag recall, Toyota provides various additional resources. These resources include comprehensive information about the basics of recalls, important information for vehicle owners affected by the recall, guidelines for handling a recalled vehicle with no current fix, and regulations concerning the sale of used cars with unfixed recalls. Moreover, Toyota offers video content related to the airbag recall, providing visual aids and explanations to assist owners in understanding the issue and the necessary steps for resolution.

In conclusion, Toyota’s expansion of the airbag recall serves as a testament to their commitment to customer safety. By addressing the potential issue with the airbag deployment in a comprehensive manner, Toyota aims to ensure that the affected vehicles are repaired promptly and that the safety of drivers and passengers is prioritized. If you own one of the affected vehicles, we encourage you to take advantage of the notifications and resources provided by Toyota to address the airbag issue and ensure your safety on the road.

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