Toyota is conducting final phase of safety recall involving Takata air bag inflators ahead of schedule

TORONTO, ON – October 17, 2019 – Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is conducting the final phase of the safety recall involving Takata airbag inflators.  The vehicles involved are certain Toyota 2003-2008 Model Year Corolla, 2002-2007 Model Year Sequoia, 2003-2006 Model Year Tundra and 2002-2010 Model Year Lexus SC 430 in Canada. Approximately , 37,591 vehicles are involved in this recall.

This last phase for Takata-produced front passenger airbag inflators is being done in advance of NHTSA's established schedule as final remedy inflators are now available.

The involved vehicles were repaired under a previous Takata airbag inflator recall with non-desiccated phase stabilized ammonium nitrate front passenger inflators  produced by Takata, because final remedy inflators were not yet available.  This is known as a “like-for-like” repair.  These previously installed Takata inflators will now be replaced by inflators produced by other suppliers.

According to Takata’s reports, a defect related to motor vehicle safety may arise in the inflators due to propellant degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.  Activation of a non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflator with degraded propellant may result in an inflator rupture.  An inflator rupture may cause metal fragments to pass through the airbag and into the vehicle interior at high speed, which may result in injury or death to vehicle occupants.

Depending on the vehicle model, Toyota dealers will replace the front passenger inflator or airbag assembly, as necessary, at no cost to owners. In Canada, owners of all involved vehicles will be notified by mid-December.

Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time.  For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Toyota vehicles, customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting Toyota.ca/recall or lexus.ca/recall and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Interaction Centre at 1-888-TOYOTA-8 (1-888-869-6828) or the Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-26-LEXUS (1-800-265-3987).