In a critical announcement, Toyota has issued an immediate advisory against driving the 2003-2004 Corolla, Corolla Matrix, and 2004-2005 RAV4 models due to a serious defect in the Takata airbags. The flaw could lead to the airbags exploding and releasing sharp metal fragments, posing a severe risk to drivers and passengers.
Toyota has committed to repairing or replacing the affected airbags at no cost, affecting around 50,000 vehicles in the United States and 7,300 in Canada. This recall is part of ongoing efforts to address issues with Takata airbags, which have been linked to at least 27 deaths and 400 injuries, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Amidst these safety concerns, Toyota faces additional challenges. The company recently announced a halt in the shipment of nine models due to revelations that an affiliate provided misleading information during engine certification tests. Approximately 36,000 vehicles of these models are produced worldwide each month.
The affected models include Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Toyota Hilux pickup truck, and Toyota Innova, impacting regions such as Africa, Asia, and Europe. Toyota Industries Corporation, the affiliate responsible, used different software in diesel engine components during certification tests, leading to discrepancies in horsepower values.
Despite the testing irregularities, Toyota assures users that there is no need to cease using the engines or vehicles, as they still meet performance output standards. Toyota’s Chief, Koji Sato, expressed apologies during a recent news conference, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
This recall comes at a time when another Toyota affiliate, Daihatsu Motor Co., admitted potential irregularities in more than two dozen certification tests. The Japanese Transportation Ministry has expressed deep regret over these findings, vowing to conduct further investigations and take strict action, considering the impact on the automobile certification system.
In a broader context, Toyota reported global sales of over 10 million vehicles in 2023, with affiliate Daihatsu selling more than 790,000 vehicles during the same period. As the automotive giant navigates these challenges, prioritizing safety and addressing issues becomes paramount for both the company and its consumers.
