Toyota recalls almost a million cars in the US due to airbag failure

Japanese automaker Toyota Motor announced Thursday that it will recall nearly one million vehicles in the United States, citing a possible defect in a sensor in the front passenger-side airbag system. Those affected are six Toyota models, including the Corolla produced between 2020 and 2021, the Avalon and the Sienna Hybrid, in addition to several Lexus models such as the ES and the RX, the company reported in a statement. News that has fallen like a bucket of cold water on the company’s shares, which have plummeted 4% on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

All of the models mentioned have an Occupant Classification System (OCS) in the front passenger seat that could have been manufactured incorrectly, causing a short circuit that would not allow the airbag to deploy correctly, increasing the risk of injury.

Without aditional costs

In the statement, the company explained that “for all vehicles involved, Toyota and Lexus dealers will inspect the OCS sensors and, if necessary, replace them at no additional cost to owners. Toyota will notify customers in mid-February 2024”.

In July 2022, the Japanese company also recalled about 3,500 vehicles in the US due to interference between internal parts that could cause the OCS sensor to fail to detect the occupant.