Toyota has Recalled 50,000 Cars in the US due to Concerns of airbag “injury or Death”

Toyota is strongly advising owners of 50,000 older vehicles in the US to promptly seek repairs, as there is a risk of airbag inflators manufactured by Takata potentially exploding and causing harm.

Avoid driving the affected models from 2003 to 2005, as advised by the authorities.

Over the past decade, a significant number of fatalities have been associated with air bag inflators manufactured by Takata.

According to Toyota, there is a concern regarding the potential for sharp metal fragments to be propelled if the airbag deploys.

The fragments pose a significant risk of causing severe harm or even fatality to both the driver and passengers, according to the statement.

The vehicles affected by the recall include the Corolla and Corolla Matrix models from 2003-2004, as well as the RAV4 from 2004-2005.

There have been significant concerns regarding Takata airbag inflators, leading to the largest safety recall in the history of the motor industry. This recall involves over 100 million products and affects more than 20 carmakers.

Following numerous recalls, legal battles, and a criminal investigation in the US, Takata made the decision to file for bankruptcy in 2017. The assets were acquired by Key Safety Systems, a company with Chinese ownership, for approximately $1.6 billion (£1.3 billion).

Toyota has been facing several other challenges in recent months.

This week, there was a temporary halt in the shipment of certain vehicles by the Japanese car manufacturer due to issues found in certification tests for diesel engines, which were developed by Toyota Industries.

A recent investigation has uncovered some concerning findings regarding Toyota Industries employees and their involvement in manipulating horsepower output tests.

Toyota has announced that the engines in 10 of their models, such as the Hiace van and Land Cruiser SUV, have been affected and are sold worldwide.

Toyota is also addressing a case of misconduct at small car specialist Daihatsu, as it acknowledged falsifying safety tests dating back more than three decades.

In recent months, Daihatsu faced a significant setback when their headquarters were subject to a surprise inspection by Japan’s transport ministry, leading to a temporary halt in the global shipments of their vehicles. The government has recently withdrawn certification for three Daihatsu models.

During recent discussions, president Koji Sato openly addressed the issues surrounding Toyota’s subsidiaries, acknowledging the challenges faced by workers in a highly competitive industry.

“It has come to our attention that there was a lack of understanding regarding certification, not only among the individuals at the testing site but also within the management,” he stated.

On Tuesday, Toyota announced that it achieved a remarkable milestone by selling 11.2 million vehicles in 2023. This accomplishment solidifies its position as the leading carmaker globally for the fourth consecutive year.

Last year, Germany’s Volkswagen sold 9.2 million vehicles, making it the closest competitor.

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