Toyota Adds Nearly 1.3 Million Vehicles to Takata Air Bag Recall

Toyota Adds Nearly 1.3 Million Vehicles to Takata Air Bag Recall

February 27, 2019 Sean Reyes , , ,

Toyota, Japan – Feb. 27, 2019 – Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain vehicles equipped with Takata air bags containing inflators that can become hazardous over time. Affected vehicles cover units in a range manufactured between 2010 and 2017, from areas determined to be most at risk for propellant degradation. This includes most Southern, Mideastern and Midwestern states (classed as Zones A, B, and C) as well as U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The potential number of units affected is 1,299,448. Vehicles affected may include:

• 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicles
• 2011-2015 Scion xB vehicles
• 2011-2015 Toyota Sienna vehicles
• 2010-2014 Lexus IS350C and IS250C vehicles
• 2011-2015 Lexus IS-F vehicles
• 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles
• 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla vehicles
• 2011-2013 Corolla Matrix vehicles

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Report filed Jan. 9, the subject vehicles all are equipped with front passenger air bag inflators of the Takata PSPI-6 designation. These airbags contain a non-desiccated, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant. It has been determined that propellant degradation is certain to occur at some point in time after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity or temperature.

If a non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflator with degraded propellant is activated during a collision, it may result in a rupture of the inflator, which can subsequently cause metal fragments to pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior. The high speed deployment of the fragments can cause severe injury or death to vehicle occupants.

Timeline of Events

On Jan. 2, Takata filed Part 573 reports in accordance with terms specified in the May 4, 2016 Amendment to the Nov. 3, 2015 Consent Order between Takata and the NHTSA. Based on Takata’s Part 573 reports, Toyota decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall about a week later to identify the subject vehicles and replace the air bag inflator or assembly. Toyota has, however, stated that it does not, by this action, fully endorse the content of Takata’s Part 573 reports.

Based on Toyota’s defect information report, the automaker is unable to provide an estimate of the percentage of vehicles that are an immediate danger. As noted in the May 2016 Amendment to the Takata Consent Order, the length of time that a non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflator will have reached the point where they pose an unreasonable risk to safety could be quite long and is dependent on the age of the inflator and environmental exposure, among other factors. The recall is being deployed in phases with vehicles deemed most at risk – as well as those located in hot and humid regions – being prioritized.

The Solution

The recall began Feb. 15. By March 10, all known owners of the affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles will have been notified of the recall by first class mail, and instructed to return their vehicles to a Toyota or Lexus dealer, as applicable. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either replace the front passenger airbag inflator only, or replace the entire airbag assembly, free of charge. Any vehicle owners who have already paid to fix this condition prior to this campaign may seek reimbursement for their costs.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Nearly 1.3 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 1,060,060 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesToyota Adds Nearly 1.3 Million Vehicles to Takata Air Bag Recall
Toyota, Lexus, Scion Recall 1.3 Million Vehicles for Takata Airbags

Toyota, Lexus, Scion Recall 1.3 Million Vehicles for Takata Airbags

January 10, 2019 Sean Reyes , , ,

Toyota, Lexus, Scion Recall 1.3 Million Vehicles for Takata Airbags

Toyota is adding 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. to its list of those that should have their Takata airbags inflators replaced. Lexus and Scion vehicles are also included in the recall.

This latest announcement from Toyota covers passenger-side front airbag inflators, and is part of the effort by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and automakers to space out the replacement of Takata airbag inflators based on the risk to drivers and passengers.

The goal has been to get replacement inflators to vehicle owners in the highest-risk regions first, and then to the rest of the country later, as the supply of replacement inflators grew. The last wave of recalls is scheduled for early in 2020…Read more on ConsumerReports.org

Sean ReyesToyota, Lexus, Scion Recall 1.3 Million Vehicles for Takata Airbags
Toyota recalls more Takata airbag inflators – 1.3 million vehicles involved

Toyota recalls more Takata airbag inflators – 1.3 million vehicles involved

January 9, 2019 Sean Reyes , , ,

Plano, Texas, Jan. 9, 2019 – Toyota has announced a planned expansion of recalls affecting vehicles with Takata air bag inflators that may rupture, hurling potentially deadly shrapnel at vehicle occupants. This recall has already involved millions of cars and trucks worldwide, across a broad spectrum of manufacturers and brands.

This new round of affected vehicles includes both Toyota and Lexus models. The latest recall involves the following cars and trucks:

  • 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
  • 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla
  • 2010-2013 Toyota Matrix
  • 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna
  • 2010-2015 Scion XB
  • 2010-2012 Lexus ES 350
  • 2010-2017 Lexus GX 460
  • 2010-2015 Lexus IS 250C
  • 2010-2015 Lexus IS 350C
  • 2010-2013 Lexus IS 250
  • 2010-2013 Lexus IS 350
  • 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F

The Defect

The problem with the Takata inflators is one of the most serious defects to be revealed in recent years. When the propellants used in the parts degrade in high heat, humidity and temperature cycling, activation may result in a rupture in the air bag inflator. Ruptured air bags can throw sharp metal fragments at the occupants of vehicles, injuring or even killing them.

The danger from these potentially deadly air bags increases over time, which is why the Takata recall began with earlier cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has been coordinating the cycles of recalls. In total, the department is targeting 37 million vehicles. The most dangerous type of Takata air bag, designated “alpha,” is found in vehicles older than those recently recalled by Toyota – owners of those cars were notified during the beginning of the recall.

Timeline of Events

The waves of the Takata recall have been ongoing since 2015. Unlike other recalls that are determined based on laboratory testing or safety inspections, the air bag inflator fault was discovered after several deadly accidents involving the compromised parts. The recall began with the vehicles most likely to contain high-risk inflators, with waves of new announcements following every few months.

According to Toyota, owners of the mentioned in the latest stage of the recall will receive letters in late January alerting them to the need to receive service for their vehicles.

The Solution

As with other stages of the Takata recall, the solution for the current round of air bag repairs involves replacing either the inflator or the whole airbag assembly, depending on the model of car in question. The modification will be carried out by Toyota and Lexus dealerships and repair work will be offered at no charge to drivers.

The automaker noted that it has been working on outreach efforts to ensure as many motorists as possible realize they need to have their vehicles repaired. Through practices such as holding events and working with third-party organizations, Toyota and the other carmakers using Takata air bag inflators have been publicizing the recall for the past few years.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Nearly 1.3 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 1,060,060 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesToyota recalls more Takata airbag inflators – 1.3 million vehicles involved
Toyota Recalls Nearly 170,000 More Vehicles Due to Takata Airbag Issues

Toyota Recalls Nearly 170,000 More Vehicles Due to Takata Airbag Issues

December 31, 2018 Sean Reyes , , ,

Laguna Hills, CA – December 31, 2018 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 169,481 vehicles with faulty Takata airbag inflators that may explode and injure vehicle occupants. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2002-2005 Lexus SC
  • 2002-2005 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla
  • 2003-2005 Tundra
  • 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe

Recall summary

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, these vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

On December 7, 2018, in consideration of a sufficient supply of final remedy inflators and upon discussion with the Agency, Toyota decided to conduct a campaign to replace the air bag inflator or the air bag assembly on certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Additionally, Toyota is also recalling certain Pontiac Vibe vehicles based on General Motors’ request, and in consideration of a sufficient supply of final remedy inflators by them.

Not all vehicles in the affected range were sold in the U.S. The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger air bag inflators (Takata-designated SPI, PSPI or PSPI-L) which contain a non-desiccated phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant and that were replaced as a “like-for-like” inflator under a prior recall by Takata, although Takata’s official DIRs that affect the subject vehicles will not occur until late 2019. Toyota is accelerating the launch of the remedy for these vehicles in advance of the Takata decisions.

The repair

Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 14, 2019.

This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign. General Motors will notify NHTSA separately of its repair and notification schedule and its campaign number concerning the Pontiac Vibe, and will provide reimbursement to owners for repairs according to the plan submitted by GM on May 19, 2017.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 160,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 104,197 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesToyota Recalls Nearly 170,000 More Vehicles Due to Takata Airbag Issues
Toyota recalls vehicles with defective engine components

Toyota recalls vehicles with defective engine components

July 25, 2018 Sean Reyes

Plano, Texas – July 25, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled more than 114,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective engine components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across the Lexus brand, including:

  • 2007-2011 Lexus GS 350 sedans produced between June 19, 2006, and Aug. 28, 2011.
  • 2007-2011 Lexus GS 450h sedans produced between Sept. 26, 2005, and Aug. 23, 2011.
  • 2006-2013 Lexus IS 350 sedans produced between May 27, 2005, and March 19, 2013.
  • 2010-2014 Lexus IS 350c sedans produced between Nov. 25, 2008, and Aug. 5, 2014.

The Japanese automaker is unsure how many of the recalled models actually contain defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain 3.5-liter engines with intake port fuel injection systems featuring gasoline delivery pipes and pulsation dampers. The material used for the diaphragms in the pulsation dampers can thicken after coming into contact with fuel containing high concentrations of ethanol. Over time, hardening may give way to cracking, which, in turn, could lead to fuel leakage and engine fire. The defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Toyota has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The car manufacturer has yet to release details into the investigation that uncovered the defect. That said, the company has confirmed that it notified dealers of the impending recall campaign June 26, 2018.

The Solution

Toyota has directed dealers to replace the fuel delivery pipes and pulsation dampers in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to reach out to owners via first-class mail on or around Aug. 9, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can speak with Toyota customer service personnel by calling (800) 255-3987. Callers should use the internal recall identification code JLF. Of course, owners can also contact the NHTSA directly by using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesToyota recalls vehicles with defective engine components
Toyota recalls vehicles with defective brake components

Toyota recalls vehicles with defective brake components

April 19, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Plano, Texas – July 20, 2022 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has remedied issues with 5,350 vehicles including the 2018 Toyota Camry, the 2018 Toyota Highlander, and others in which the brake assist vacuum pump may fail. Additionally, 461 of these Toyota models have been categorized as unreachable and 17 have been removed from the recall. Three groups of these 2018 Toyota Camry and 2018 Toyota Highlander with a defective brakes vacuum pump were remedied in 2018 and three other groups were remedied during 2019.

Plano, Texas – April 19, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled more than 6,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects models across multiple brands, including:

  • 2017 Lexus RX350 sport utility vehicles produced between Oct. 2, 2017, and Oct. 18, 2017.
  • 2018 Toyota Camry sedans produced between Oct. 5, 2017, and Nov. 3, 2017.
  • 2018 Toyota Highlander sport utility vehicles produced between Oct. 4, 2017, and Nov. 3, 2017.
  • 2018 Toyota Sienna minivans produced between Oct. 6, 2017, and Oct. 23, 2017.
  • 2017 Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks produced between Oct. 5, 2017, and Nov. 3, 2017.
The Japanese automaker is unsure how many of the recalled vehicles actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could come with problematic vacuum pump assemblies. These fixtures are designed to siphon oil from the engine to power brake boosters which, in turn, support optimal braking assist functionality. However, the pumps installed in the recalled models contain improperly machined rotor oil galleys, impairing their ability to extract oil from the engine and power brake boosters.
In some instances, the rotor galleys may cause other internal parts within the vacuum pumps to break, resulting in the failure of the entire rotor, the brake booster and the brake assist system. Such an event would increase the likelihood of an accident. However, Toyota has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective vacuum pump assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Oct. 11, 2017, an engineer conducting a post-production test drive at the Toyota manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas encountered a vehicle with an overly firm brake pedal, according to an internal document submitted to the NHTSA. Toyota inspected the vehicle and found that the vacuum pump was not effectively powering the brake booster, resulting in pedal resistance.
Additional analysis revealed that the rotor oil galley within the pump did not contain properly drilled holes, prompting the automaker to contact Magna Powertrain of Mexico, the vendor that provided the vacuum pump assembly, and initiate a joint investigation.
As this inquiry moved forward, engineers at another Toyota assembly site pinpointed other vehicles with the same braking problem, which engineering teams quickly attributed to defective vacuum pumps. Soon after these additional defective vehicles were identified, the car manufacturer discovered that the Magna production facility on Aug. 7, 2017, had suffered an unexpected power surge, resulting in significant downtime. During a shop floor reset, maintenance teams failed to properly recalibrate the drilling machine.
Consequently, Magna produced a large number of vacuum pump assemblies with improperly drilled rotor oil galley holes. Over the course of its investigation, Toyota also found that Magna’s documented maintenance policies did not direct teams to perform recalibrations following shutdowns, meaning operations most likely resumed without further process analysis. Magna ultimately made the proper calibrations during Aug. 9, 2017, but by that point, a significant number of pieces had come off the line and been shipped to customers. The company amended its maintenance procedures to address this error.
In January 2018, Toyota began testing the defective vacuum pumps in-house to determine their impact on vehicle drivability. Within a month, engineers had determined that the components could not effectively extract oil from the engine via the improperly drilled rotor oil galley holes. They also found that this, in turn, may damage the vacuum pump assembly and eventually result in the complete loss of the braking assist feature.
On March 28, 2018, Toyota safety and quality assurance officials reviewed the results of the investigation and determined that a voluntary safety recall was necessary. The automaker notified dealers April 3, 2018.

The Solution

Toyota has directed dealers to replace the vacuum pump assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company intends to notify owners via first-class mail between May 31, 2018, and June 2, 2018. However, owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can reach out to Toyota customer service at (800) 255-3987. Callers should use the internal campaign reference code J0K/JLD. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesToyota recalls vehicles with defective brake components
Toyota recalls models with faulty tie rod assemblies

Toyota recalls models with faulty tie rod assemblies

June 29, 2017 admin

Plano, Texas – June 29, 2017 – Toyota Motor North America has recalled more than 1,700 vehicles with defective tie rod assemblies, according to a company news release. The campaign affects 2017 Lexus ES 350 sedans.

The Defect

The vehicles named in the recall could contain improperly installed right-hand tie rod assemblies, according to Toyota. This defect, which often creates noise, can cause the vehicles to drift left or right while operating.

Additionally, in severe cases, drivers may experience loss of steering control. Both events can increase the likelihood of an accident. However, Toyota has not received reports of any injuries or wrecks related to the defective tie rod assemblies.

Timeline of Events

Toyota has not released details into the events or internal inquiry that led to the recall campaign.

The Solution

The car company has ordered dealers to inspect the tie rod assemblies on affected vehicles, specifically the right-hand-side lock nut. If this fixture is lose, dealers are to replace it, along with the steering gear and tie rod assemblies, at no cost to owners.

Toyota is expected to send out owner notifications via first-class mail later this month. However, the organization encourages owners who suspect they might have vehicles involved in the recall to check by entering their vehicle identification numbers at the Toyota recall portal or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s site, Safercar.gov.

Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Toyota customer service at (800) 331-4331 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminToyota recalls models with faulty tie rod assemblies
Airbag Module Concerns Lead to Lexus Recall

Airbag Module Concerns Lead to Lexus Recall

February 8, 2016 MotorSafety.org

Washington, D.C. — February 08, 2016 — Thousands of vehicles are part of a new recall effort in response to airbag concerns in certain Lexus vehicles. Though owners won’t be notified until March, Toyota recently announced the recall effort in a January 27 press release in its official online newsroom.

“This recall specifically affects RX 350 and RX 450h models.”

According to this statement, the manufacturer is recalling “approximately 5,000” 2016 Lexus vehicles that could contain badly-manufactured airbag modules. The company has called for dealers to inspect these faulty assemblies and replace them as necessary to avoid putting operators at risk.

This recall specifically affects RX 350 and RX 450h models, and comes in the same month that Lexus announced the LC 500 luxury coupe. So far, no injuries have been traced to the RX Lexus recalls, and it does not appear to be related to other similar issues like the Takata airbag recalls.

“The involved vehicles are equipped with a driver’s knee airbag module that may not have been properly manufactured,” the most recent statement says. “This could affect the performance of the airbag and increase the risk of injury in a crash.”

With a new death linked to the Takata airbag inflators, Toyota is still involved with the ongoing recall effort, one that has expanded to include millions of cars.

Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that this auto manufacturer had worked with Takata to test some of the recalled vehicles for ruptures. Results revealed three RAV-4 airbag inflators ruptured during the test, triggering a recall for those that use these and similar systems. Ford also tested 1,900 inflators for defects and found none.

MotorSafety.orgAirbag Module Concerns Lead to Lexus Recall
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