A massive Toyota recall of approximately 1 million vehicles in the United States and nearly 100,000 vehicles in Canada has been issued due to a potential airbag problem that poses an increased risk of injury to occupants. The recall comes after a defect was identified in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors located in the front passenger seats of the affected vehicles, which could result in airbags failing to deploy properly during a crash.
The recall applies to a range of Toyota and Lexus models with model years spanning from 2020 to 2022. Toyota models included in the recall are Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and certain hybrids of these models. Lexus models impacted by the recall include ES250, ES300H, ES350, RX350, and RX450H, among others.
The specific issue involves sensors in the front passenger seats that may have been manufactured improperly. These sensors are responsible for detecting the presence and weight of the passenger, helping the airbag system deploy with the correct force in the event of a collision. However, due to the potential defect, a short circuit can occur in the sensor, causing it to fail to accurately detect the passenger. Consequently, this could lead to the airbag not deploying as designed, increasing the risk of injury to the passenger during a crash.
Toyota and Lexus dealerships will address this issue by inspecting the affected vehicles free of charge. If necessary, they will replace the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors to ensure they function correctly. Affected vehicle owners can expect to receive notifications regarding the recall by mid-February 2024.
To determine whether your vehicle is part of the safety recall, you can check by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information on the official Toyota recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall portal.
This recall is the latest in a series of safety actions initiated by Toyota in 2023. In November, the automaker recalled 1.9 million RAV4 sport utility vehicles due to concerns about battery displacement during sharp turns, which could potentially lead to fires. In October, Toyota recalled approximately 751,000 Toyota Highlander SUVs to address problems with securing the vehicles' front lower bumper covers.
If you own one of the affected Toyota or Lexus models, it's crucial to respond promptly to the recall notification and have your vehicle inspected and repaired as necessary to ensure your safety on the road.
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