Toyota is conducting a safety recall involving certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles

TORONTO, Ontario, December 12, 2018 – Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is conducting a safety recall involving certain Toyota 2003-2004 Model Year Corolla, 2002-2003 Model Year Sequoia, 2003 Model Year Tundra and 2002-2003 Model Year Lexus SC vehicles in Canada.  Approximately 5,369 vehicles are involved in this recall. 

The involved vehicles were previously recalled, where front passenger airbag inflators were replaced with new, Takata-produced inflators that were of the same design.  

A safety defect may arise in the Takata inflators due to propellant degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity and high temperature cycling.  Activation of an inflator with degraded propellant may result in an airbag inflator rupture.  If a defective inflator ruptures, it may cause sharp metal fragments to pass through the airbag and spray directly at the driver and passengers, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

Known owners of the involved vehicles will receive notification by first class mail starting in early January. For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator or the airbag assembly with an improved one produced by non-Takata suppliers at no cost.  

Toyota’s and other automakers’ outreach to involved owners of vehicles equipped with Takata airbags is designed to help resolve this issue as quickly, conveniently, and safely as possible.  Automakers are taking proactive, targeted steps to help owners understand the importance of having this free repair completed. Toyota’s Canadian outreach has included a multi-channel campaign with phone calls, e-mails and three increasingly insistent postcards sent to the known owners of the Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Canada impacted by these recalls.

For more information about Toyota and Lexus vehicles impacted by the Takata airbag inflator recalls, customers can go to http://www.toyota.ca/takata and https://www.lexus.ca/takata. Owners of impacted vehicles with additional questions are encouraged to call 1-888-570-1675.

Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. Customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting toyota.ca/recall or lexus.ca/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

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Media Contacts:

Jennifer Okoeguale
Consultant, Corporate Communications
Toyota Canada Inc.
jennifer_okoeguale@toyota.ca

Michael Bouliane
Manager, Corporate Communications
Toyota Canada Inc.
michael_bouliane@toyota.ca