Toyota recall: Is your car affected?

It was announced last week that Toyota has recalled 3.4 million vehicles worldwide, and over 700,000 of those cars are right here in South Africa. The recall is to replace potentially faulty airbags.

According to the statement on the Toyota website, moisture intrusion on certain airbags could cause the airbags to deploy and the inflator to rupture. If the inflator ruptures, metal fragments could strike and possibly injure occupants. 

• Corolla 2002 to 2014
• Run-X 2002 to 2007
• Auris 2007 to 2012
• Hilux 2006 to 2014
• Fortuner 2006 to 2014
• Avensis 2003 to 2007
• RAV4 2003 to 2007

If you drive one of these models and to find out if your car’s airbag needs to be replaced, enter your VIN on the Toyota website. (You will find the VIN number on your license disk.) Alternatively, download the MyToyota app, scan your license disc using the app and you will receive an automatic notification if your vehicle is affected. You can also call the Toyota Call Centre on 0800 139 111 or email [email protected]. 

Takata is a parts manufacturer and there’s a good chance that other vehicle brands will be impacted by a similar recall. Internationally, Honda has already recalled vehicles in the US and Canada for airbag deflator issues. 

If your vehicle is affected, you can arrange to take your car to a dealership to have the airbag replaced. It’s expected it should take about two hours to replace the bag. 

No automaker wants to recall a car because consumers often view recalls as a negative reflection of the brand – however, we want to remind you that a recall is a GOOD THING! Although vehicle recalls can be inconvenient, it’s better for vehicle manufacturers to proactively fix safety problems. Even vehicle brands with the strongest safety issue have had to issue a safety recall – it’s necessary to improve your experience and keep you safe while driving today’s complex machines.