Photo by Chandler Cruttenden on Unsplash
Toyota Safety Recall: Here’s What You Should Know
December 21, 2023
A Toyota safety recall has been issued for certain models of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The recall spans across an estimated 1 million vehicles sold in the United States between 2020 and 2022.
The concern revolves around a manufacturing error in the instrument panel, which may prevent the proper deployment of the front passenger airbag, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash and not meeting certain federal standards.
In response, Toyota dealerships will conduct an improved re-inspection process and, if required, replace the faulty instrument panel free of charge. Vehicle owners are expected to receive notifications by mid-February 2024. In the meantime, the automaker advises against anyone occupying the front passenger seat within these particular vehicles until they are checked and fixed, if needed.
Here’s a rundown of the Toyota and Lexus models impacted by the recall:
Toyota Models
- 2020 – 2021 Avalon
- 2020 – 2021 Avalon Hybrid
- 2020 – 2021 Corolla
- 2020 – 2021 Highlander
- 2020 – 2021 Highlander Hybrid
- 2020 – 2021 RAV4
- 2020 – 2021 RAV4 Hybrid
- 2021 Sienna Hybrid
- 2020 – 2022 Camry
- 2020 – 2022 Camry Hybrid
Lexus Models
- 2021 ES250
- 2020 – 2021 ES350
- 2020 – 2021 RX350
- 2020 – 2021 RX450H
- 2020 – 2022 ES300H
The crux of the recall lies in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors located in the front passenger seat of the affected vehicles. These sensors might have been improperly made, predisposing them to short-circuit. The malfunction won’t allow the airbag system to accurately categorize the passenger’s weight, potentially leading to the airbag not deploying appropriately during certain crashes, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
Toyota and Lexus are committed to the safety of their customers. Dealerships will perform an inspection of the OCS sensors in all affected vehicles and replace them as needed, free of charge to the owners.
Customers can expect notification by mid-February next year. However, for immediate information regarding the recall, owners can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate details.
For further assistance, customers can reach out to the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 for Toyota vehicles and the Lexus Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-255-3987 for Lexus vehicles.
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