In a critical safety advisory, Toyota is urgently calling upon the owners of around 50,000 older vehicles to halt driving their cars immediately. This call comes as part of a voluntary recall, emphasizing the need to address faulty airbags that, due to their age, present an increased risk of explosion, posing severe injuries or even fatalities. The recall, issued recently, covers the following models:

• 2003-2004 Corolla
• 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix
• 2004-2005 RAV4

Due to the aging airbags, there is a heightened likelihood of a component inside exploding, releasing sharp metal fragments and posing a grave threat to the safety of vehicle occupants, as emphasized by the automaker.

Toyota’s Clear Directive: “DO NOT DRIVE”

Toyota’s statement is unequivocal: “Owners SHOULD NOT DRIVE these vehicles until the FREE safety recall repair has been conducted.” The company is strongly recommending that affected owners avoid driving the vehicles to the dealership for fixes. Instead, they are encouraged to contact their local dealer for alternative options such as arranging a mobile repair at the vehicle’s location or towing the car to the dealership.

Takata Airbags and Dual Recalls

The recall specifically addresses Takata airbags, with the RAV4s equipped with Takata driver’s airbags and the Corolla and Matrix models featuring them on the passenger side. Notably, the Corolla and Matrix models are also subject to a separate recall due to the risk of their airbags deploying without a crash, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing these safety concerns.

Previous Recalls and Broader Safety Concerns

This voluntary recall comes shortly after Toyota’s recall of approximately 1 million cars in the U.S. The previous recall was prompted by concerns that the front passenger airbags might not deploy properly in a crash, posing an additional risk of injury to riders.

The broader issue with Takata airbags lies in the use of volatile ammonium nitrate to generate a small explosion for inflating airbags during a crash. Over time, exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause the chemical propellant to deteriorate, leading to an excessive-force explosion that can rupture the metal canister and release dangerous shrapnel.

Human Toll and Toyota’s Assurance

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that at least 26 people have lost their lives in the U.S. due to Takata inflators since May 2009, and a further 30 fatalities have occurred globally, including cases in Malaysia and Australia. Additionally, around 400 people have sustained injuries. These incidents ultimately led to Takata’s bankruptcy. Toyota reassures affected customers that the airbag repair or replacement will be conducted free of charge.

The Largest Auto Recall in History

The urgency of addressing this potential safety hazard is evident in the context of the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with approximately 100 million inflators recalled worldwide due to the potential for dangerous malfunctions. Vehicle owners are strongly encouraged to act promptly to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.