Toyota has issued a recall for 50,000 older vehicles in the US due to concerns over airbag inflators made by Takata. The carmaker has urged owners of the affected models, spanning from 2003 to 2005, to seek immediate repairs to avoid potential risks of injury or death.
The advisory specifically covers the 2003-2004 model Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and 2004-2005 RAV4. Toyota highlighted the potential danger, stating that if the airbag deploys, there is an increased likelihood of a part inside the inflator exploding and releasing sharp metal fragments, posing a serious threat to the driver and passengers.
This issue adds to a series of challenges Toyota has faced recently. The company suspended shipments of certain vehicles after discovering irregularities in certification tests for diesel engines developed by Toyota Industries. An investigation revealed that employees at Toyota Industries had manipulated horsepower output tests, affecting engines used in 10 models sold globally.
Furthermore, Toyota is working to address misconduct at Daihatsu, a subsidiary specializing in small cars, following admissions of falsifying safety tests dating back over three decades. The government has revoked certification of three Daihatsu models, and the company’s headquarters were raided by Japan’s transport ministry.
In response to these scandals, Toyota’s president, Koji Sato, acknowledged the pressure felt by workers to compromise in an intensely competitive industry. Sato admitted that both employees at the testing site and management lacked a proper understanding of certification.
Despite these challenges, Toyota achieved a record-breaking sales figure, selling 11.2 million vehicles in 2023, securing its position as the world’s top-selling carmaker for the fourth consecutive year. In contrast, its closest competitor, Germany’s Volkswagen, sold 9.2 million vehicles in the same period.
This recall adds to the ongoing concerns over product safety, with previous recalls including baby formula due to contamination fears and over 30,000lb of chicken nuggets in the US. Toyota’s proactive approach to addressing these issues underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of its products.
