Toyota’s recall over defective airbags

TOYOTA South Africa is to recall 730 000 cars to replace defective Takata-produced front airbag inflators.

Toyota South Africa is currently recalling different Toyota brands fitted with Takata air bag inflators. Toyota South Africa told Xinhua that certain types of airbag inflators manufactured by Takata were found to have potential for moisture intrusion over time.

The car manufacturer said this could create excessive internal pressure when the airbag is deployed and cause the inflator to rupture.

“Toyota and many other motor manufacturers worldwide are recalling vehicles for potentially defective Takata airbag inflators. Globally, there are close to 100 million vehicles affected across several brands. At Toyota South Africa we have 730 000 vehicles affected,” said Mzolisi Witbooi, corporate public relations manager, Toyota South Africa.

Toyota South Africa said in the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, striking and possibly injuring the occupants in the event of an accident.

Witbooi said they had not received a report of an accident caused by the defective Takata air bags inflators or death.

“There have been zero deaths reported to Toyota worldwide as a result of the air bags. The problem is not restricted to the Hilux. It is an industry-wide problem.

“Every vehicle fitted with a Takata airbag pre-2015 is potentially affected,” he said.

Toyota is recalling the Hilux, Rav4, Fortuners (from July 2003 to December 2005), Yaris models, RunX and Corolla models (2002 to 2007).

Depending on the car brand, the replacement of the car component will be free and takes a day, said Witbooi. – Xinhua/African News Agency (ANA)