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
Ford recalls over 953,000 vehicles to replace inflators

Ford recalls over 953,000 vehicles to replace inflators

January 4, 2019 Sean Reyes , , ,

Ford recalls over 953,000 vehicles to replace inflators

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 953,000 vehicles worldwide to replace Takata passenger air bag inflators that can explode and hurl shrapnel.

The move includes over 782,000 vehicles in the U.S. and is part of the largest series of recalls in U.S. history.

Included are the 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, the 2010 and 2011 Ford Ranger, the 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, the 2010 and 2011 Mercury Milan, and the 2010 to 2014 Ford Mustang…Read more on APNews.com

Sean ReyesFord recalls over 953,000 vehicles to replace inflators
Ford expands Takata airbag inflator recall

Ford expands Takata airbag inflator recall

January 4, 2019 Sean Reyes , ,

Dearborn, MI, January 4, 2019 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) recently increased the scope of its recall of vehicles including airbag inflator components provided by Takata, according to a company press release. Airbags containing Takata parts have been associated with several other waves of recalls over the past few years, encompassing multiple automakers.

The latest extension of the Ford recall is approximately 782,384-strong and targets the following models:

  • 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX
  • 2010-2011 Ford Ranger
  • 2010-2012 Ford Fusion
  • 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2010-2011 Mercury Milan
  • 2010-2014 Ford Mustang

Recall summary

Airbag inflators manufactured by Takata may be defective, which could make the airbag’s components explode instead of deploying properly in the event of a collision. The current wave of the Ford recall centers around the aforementioned vehicles’ front passenger-side airbags. Since Takata provided so many components to such a wide variety of auto manufacturers, the recall has taken place in multiple phases,  targeting various components of vehicles made by multiple manufacturers.

A crash in which an airbag explosion occurred could cause serious injury or death to motorists, adding urgency to the multi-stage recall. Ford did note in its press release that there haven’t yet been any injuries or deaths directly linked to the kinds of passenger-side inflators included in this round of the recall expansion.

The latest expansion of the Takata recall is part of a rolling schedule implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency noted that since the recall includes “tens of millions” of vehicles, beginning with the riskiest types of cars, mostly vehicles produced in 2006 and earlier. The order of the recall is based on both year of manufacture and the relative heat and humidity of regions – hot, humid conditions exacerbate the problems with airbags and increase risk. The entire schedule began in November 2015, according to the NHTSA, and is intended to conclude at the end of 2019.

The vehicles included in the latest Ford recall were manufactured between 2008 and 2012. The potential fault in these airbags has been known since the early days of the overall Takata recall, but due to the logistical need to handle the repairs in waves, they are only being serviced now.

The repair

Owners of affected Ford vehicles – or any other cars involved in the Takata recall thus far – should go to a local dealership, where the frontal passenger-side airbag inflator or airbag module will be replaced, with the manufacturer paying for the repairs. The reference number assigned to this latest recall by Ford is 19S01.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 782,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 583,909 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesFord expands Takata airbag inflator recall
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
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

May 10, 2018 Sean Reyes ,
Auburn Hills, Mich. – May 10, 2018 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 293,503 vehicles potentially equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall campaign affects the following models:
  • 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedans
  • 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat wagons
The German automaker suspects all of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective components.
The parts involved in this action are at the center of a multi year recall campaign encompassing 42 million vehicles across more than one dozen brands, Car and Driver reported. Approximately 15 owners have perished in accidents involving these components, while more than 100 have sustained serious injuries, according to Consumer Reports.

Recall summary

Affected vehicles contain Takata air bag assemblies with inflator modules whose propellant wafers are prone to degradation over time. These defective wafers could lead to particularly violent combustion upon air bag deployment. This issue, in turn, may cause the steel air bag inflator housing to explode, spraying metal fragments throughout the vehicle cabin at high speeds. Consequently, the defect poses a mortal threat to occupants. As stated above, Takata air bag assemblies are responsible for multiple driver deaths and injuries.
In March 2016, Volkswagen recalled more than 150,000 vehicles, including those involved in this action, in response to a Takata component recall filling, according to documentation from the NHTSA. The automaker oversaw permanent replacement of the air bag assemblies installed in these models, trading the defective inflators for replacements containing desiccated ammonium nitrate propellant. Recently, Volkswagen decided to adopt guanidine nitrate-based inflators. GuNi propellant is more durable and less caustic than ammonium nitrate propellant, The New York Times reported. This switch forced the car manufacturer to launch another recall, which it did April 18, 2018. Volkswagen also informed dealers of the impending action on this date.

The repair

The automaker will replace the ammonium nitrate-based air bag inflators with GuNi alternatives free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Volkswagen contacted owners via first-class mail April 30, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 293,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 148,278 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags
Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

April 30, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Cypress, Calif. – April 30, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America (OTCMKTS:MSBHF) has recalled more than 17,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans.

Recall Summary

Affected vehicles contain Takata air bag assemblies featuring defective inflators that are prone to combustion upon deployment. When exploded, the metal inflator housing fragments, sending bits of sharp shrapnel throughout the cabin. Consequently, these fixtures pose a serious safety hazard to occupants. Takata air bags have killed 20 people and injured hundreds more worldwide, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Takata on May 18, 2015, submitted a Defect Information Report which advised all automakers involved with vehicles containing its air bag assemblies to expand ongoing recalls. NHTSA relayed this information to automotive companies May 27, 2015. In response, Mitsubishi expanded an ongoing recall involving 2004-2005 Lancer sedans to include all remaining 2005 Lancer vehicles, as well as those produced in 2006 using the Takata air bag inflators.

Between May 2015 and September 2017, the automaker replaced defective air bag assemblies with temporary like-for-like replacements. During this time, Mitsubishi also developed a viable permanent replacement, which passed the final testing phase in September 2017.

Over the following months, the automaker mass-produced the parts to build of up sufficient supply for an expanded recall action addressing all of the vehicles that received temporary replacements. On March 29, 2018, Mitsubishi reviewed the matter and decided to launch a voluntary safety recall.

The repair

The automaker will direct dealers to replace the Takata air bag assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Mitsubishi intends to notify dealers April 19, 2018, and reach out to owners via first-class mail April 26, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1.4 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 8,172 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesMitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

February 22, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Auburn Hills, MI – Feb. 22, 2018 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled more than 97,000 Audis equipped with defective Takata air bag inflators, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects the following models:

  • 2009-2012 Audi Q5
  • 2010-2012 Audi A5
  • 2010-2012 Audi S5

Volkswagen has concluded that all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective Takata air bag inflators. These fixtures are at the center of a massive, multiyear safety campaign spanning almost two dozen automotive brands and 37 million vehicles, according to Consumer Reports. The air bags have resulted in approximately 15 deaths and more than 100 injuries.

Recall summary

The models named in this recall contain Takata air bag inflators that are prone to rupture due to extensive propellant breakdown, which occurs in hot and humid environments. During front air bag deployment, the degraded propellant may rupture the metal inflator casing, causing high-speed projectiles to fly through the vehicle cabin at high speeds. As a result, the Takata air bag inflators pose a grave hazard to occupants.

The German automaker initiated an extensive field investigation in January 2016 after receiving word from Takata that several of its vehicles, including the Audi A5, S5 and Q5 models, contained the problematic inflators assemblies, according to an NHTSA safety recall report. The NHTSA advised the company to issue an immediate safety recall to accompany the inquiry, which it did in February 2016. The latest action taken by Volkswagen is a continuation of the initial campaign and a requirement under the NHTSA’s coordinated remedy order related to the defective Takata air bag components.

The car manufacturer notified dealers Jan. 30, 2018.

The repair

Volkswagen has directed dealers replace the air bag inflators installed in the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Owners can expect to receive official notice of the campaign between Feb. 13, 2018 and March 30, 2018 via first-class mail.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 97,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. Since then, the recall population has grown to 162,977 vehicles. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 122,954 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags
Late-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger

Late-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger

January 28, 2018 Rebecca Rand ,

Mahwah, New Jersey – Jan. 28, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling more than 8,900 late-model Jaguar XF sedans as part of the broader Takata air bag recall, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes:

  • 2009 Jaguar XF sedans
  • 2010 Jaguar XF sedans
  • 2013 Jaguar XF sedans

As with all other vehicles in the Takata recall, the XF sedans come with faulty passenger frontal air bag assemblies that were either original equipment or replacement parts.

Specifically, 2009 model-year XFs sold in what has been designated Zone C are part of the recall, and were produced from Dec. 4, 2007, to Feb. 11, 2009. The 2010 XFs – all produced between Sept. 24, 2008, and March 2, 2010 – were sold or registered in Zone B. The model-year 2013 XFs sold or registered in Zone A were produced from May 15, 2012, to Sept. 13, 2013.

Zone A includes a number of southern states, Hawaii, Texas and outlying territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. Zone B includes several populous states in the Midwest and Appalachia, as well as Washington, D.C.

Finally, Zone C includes all of New England, New York, a number of states in the Upper Midwest and Mountain region, as well as the Pacific Northwest.

All vehicles in the recall are believed to carry this defect.

Recall sumamry

If exposed over a long enough period of time to extreme temperature changes or high humidity, the propellant that ejects the air bag in the event of a crash could cause the bag to degrade.

Consequently, if a crash  leads to deployment of that air bag, the inflator may rupture, resulting in metal fragments being ejected from the air bag compartment at high speeds. This can increase the risk of operators and passengers in the vehicle being struck with the fragments, which can lead to injury or death.

In mid-May 2016, Jaguar Land Rover learned of the broader issue with the frontal passenger air bags from Takata, and opened its own investigation into the problem just a few days later. The automaker’s Product Safety and Compliance Committee quickly determined which of its produced vehicles had been outfitted with the faulty air bags, but that there had not been any incidents related to the issue, and no injuries have been reported to date. Nonetheless, it determined to conduct a recall of the vehicles to remediate the problem.

Since then, the company has worked with the NHTSA as part of the government organization’s coordinated remedy program. This recall as part of the program’s Phase 3.

The repair

Jaguar has already begun the process of notifying dealers about the recall, starting on Jan. 11, 2018. It likewise expects to begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles on or around Feb. 28, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 8,900 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 7,358 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Rebecca RandLate-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger
Ford recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Ford recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

January 24, 2018 admin ,

Dearborn, MI. – Jan. 24, 2017 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled more than 2,700 vehicles believed to contain defective Takata air bag inflators, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recalls involves 2006 Ford Ranger pickup trucks. The automaker is unsure how many of the recalled vehicles actually contain the defective air bags, which are at the center of a multiyear automotive safety scandal involving more than 46 million vehicles worldwide from over two dozen brands. The flawed safety features have claimed 20 lives, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Recall summary

Affected models may include front air bag assemblies with defective Takata inflators that are prone to rupture upon activation, sending metal shards throughout the cabin of the vehicle. These features pose a serious safety hazard to occupants. Two Ford Ranger owners have been killed in crashes involving the defective Takata air bag inflators, the second of which occurred this past July, according to the car company. As a result, Ford has advised owners to discontinue operating their vehicles.

In May 2015, Ford recalled more than 361,000 vehicles after Takata notified the NHTSA of an impending safety action surrounding its passenger-side air bag inflator models, documents submitted to the government agency showed. The Ford recall involved 2004-2006 Ranger pickup trucks produced between March 24, 2003 and May 4, 2006. Ford began replacing the Takata inflators in with stopgap parts in July 2015.

In December 2017, Ford launched another recall involving the same vehicles due to the development of permanent repair components, which did not contain phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant, according to the NHTSA. Ford sent notification letters to owners Dec. 12 and began the inflator replacement process. Approximately 11 days later, the automaker received an accident report detailing a fatal crash that had occurred in West Virginia July 1. The tragic incident involved a 2006 Ford Ranger with Takata driver-side air bag inflators that had ruptured upon deployment. This was confirmed during a physical inspection of the vehicle Dec. 27.

Takata engineers reviewed the ruptured air bag inflators and found that others from the same production population had been involved in an accident in 2006. The belonged to a propellant lot that had not appeared in previous recalls.

Ford reviewed its production records and narrowed down the vehicles that included inflators from the same lot. On January 8, 2018, the Ford Field Review Committee decided to launch a voluntary recall to address the dangerous parts. The car manufacturer recalled 3,902 vehicles worldwide – 2,712 in the U.S. market and 190 in the Canadian market.

The repair

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the front air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document from the NHTSA. Ford notified dealers of the recall on Jan. 10 and contacted owners on Jan. 16 via first-class mail.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 2,700 vehicles were originally part of this recall. Since then, the recall has expanded to include 28,365 vehicles. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 21,775 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

adminFord recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags
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