One of the most important things to consumers when they are looking to purchase a vehicle is safety. Car owners want the security of knowing that should they be involved in a collision the vehicle they are in is going to provide protection from serious bodily injuries and possibly death. Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Toyota Sequoia and Lexus SC as well as 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra and Pontiac Vibe vehicles.
The recall involves the above listed model year vehicles in addition to any vehicle not listed produced by Toyota within those models that may have had a passenger airbag replaced within that time frame.
The above listed vehicles are being recalled due to a defect which has been discovered with the frontal passenger airbag inflator. It has been revealed that there may be excessive pressure produced causing the passenger airbag to rupture upon deployment. In the event one of the recalled vehicles is involved in a collision or crash metal fragments could be released as the airbag ruptures causing risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle.
Toyota will begin notifying owners of the recalled vehicles and Toyota, Lexus and GM dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator at no additional cost to owners. The manufacturer has not yet set a schedule for the notification process, but owners are encouraged to contact Toyota customer service with any concerns or questions at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners can contact GM with questions and concerns at 1-800-521-7300.
It is important to note there had been a previous recall 13V-133, however this recall supersedes that previous recall and owners may have had their vehicles inspected but not had the airbag inflator replaced. Those who might have had their vehicle inspected should contact Toyota to verify whether the airbag inflator was replaced and if it was not should inquire into when the replacement process will be beginning.
You want to feel safe in out vehicles and know that in the event of a crash or collision you are protected. Occasionally manufacturers do discover defects in design or manufacturing of a vehicle. If caught soon enough accidents resulting from the defect can be avoided, but sometimes drivers are injured or killed in whole or in part due to a defect that went unrepaired or noticed.