Toyota Motor Corp. announced on Wednesday that it is recalling about 1 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential defect in the front passenger airbag sensor that could prevent the airbag from deploying properly in a crash. The recall affects certain 2020-2022 models of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, including the popular Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and RX models.
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What is the problem with the airbag sensor?
According to Toyota, the problem lies in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors that are installed in the front passenger seat of the affected vehicles. The OCS sensors are designed to detect the presence and weight of the passenger and adjust the airbag deployment accordingly. However, Toyota said that some of these sensors could have a manufacturing defect that could cause a short circuit, resulting in the airbag system not recognizing the passenger correctly and failing to deploy as intended.
This could pose a serious risk of injury or death to the passenger in the event of a frontal collision, especially if the passenger is a child or a small adult. Toyota said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue, but it is recalling the vehicles as a precautionary measure.
Which vehicles are affected by the recall?
The recall covers the following 2020-2022 Toyota and Lexus models:
- Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid
- Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid
- Toyota Sienna Hybrid
- Lexus ES250
- Lexus ES300H
- Lexus ES350
- Lexus RX350 and RX450H
Toyota said that the recall involves about 978,000 vehicles in the U.S. and about 22,000 vehicles in Canada. The recall does not affect any other markets.
How will Toyota fix the problem?
Toyota said that it will notify the owners of the affected vehicles by mid-February 2024. The owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles to a Toyota or Lexus dealer for a free inspection and repair. The dealer will check the OCS sensor and replace it if necessary. The repair will take about an hour, depending on the dealer’s schedule.
Toyota also advised the owners to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual regarding the use of the front passenger seat and the airbag system until the recall is completed. The manual states that the front passenger seat should not be occupied by anyone who weighs less than 68 pounds or who is shorter than 4 feet 9 inches. It also states that the seat should be adjusted to the most rearward position and that the passenger should wear the seat belt properly.
Why is this recall different from the previous one?
This is not the first time that Toyota has recalled vehicles due to faulty airbag sensors. In fact, the company had already inspected and repaired some of the same vehicles under a previous recall campaign in 2022. However, Toyota said that it discovered an issue with the inspection process that may have missed some of the defective sensors. Therefore, the company decided to conduct a new recall to ensure that all the affected vehicles are fixed.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause to our customers, and we appreciate their understanding as we work to ensure their safety,” Toyota said in a statement.
How does this recall affect Toyota’s reputation and performance?
This recall is the latest in a series of quality issues that have plagued Toyota in recent years. In November 2023, the company recalled 1.9 million RAV4 SUVs in the U.S. because of a fire risk caused by the batteries shifting during sharp turns. In October 2023, the company recalled 751,000 Highlander SUVs in the U.S. because of a problem with the tabs that secure the front lower bumper covers, which could fall off in a minor crash.
These recalls have tarnished Toyota’s carefully crafted image and reputation for quality and reliability, which have been the key factors behind its success in the global market. The recalls have also cost the company billions of dollars in repair expenses, legal fees, and lost sales. Toyota faces the challenge of regaining the trust and loyalty of its customers, as well as restoring its brand value and competitive edge.
Some analysts and experts have attributed Toyota’s quality problems to its rapid expansion and growth, which may have compromised its quality control standards and processes. They have also criticized Toyota’s corporate culture, which they say is too hierarchical and slow to respond to customer feedback and market changes.
However, some observers have also praised Toyota’s efforts to address its quality issues and improve its safety and customer satisfaction. They have noted that Toyota has taken swift and decisive actions to recall and fix the defective vehicles, as well as to communicate and cooperate with the regulators and the public. They have also pointed out that Toyota has invested heavily in research and development, innovation, and digital transformation, as well as in enhancing its quality control systems and mechanisms.
“Toyota has learned from its past mistakes and has taken steps to prevent them from happening again,” said David Cole, an emeritus professor of engineering and automotive expert at the University of Michigan. “Toyota is still a very strong and respected brand, and it has the potential to bounce back and regain its leadership position in the industry.”
How does this recall compare to other automaker recalls?
Toyota is not the only automaker that has faced recalls due to airbag issues. In fact, the airbag industry has been rocked by several scandals and controversies in recent years, involving different suppliers and manufacturers.
One of the most notorious cases is the Takata airbag recall, which affected more than 100 million vehicles worldwide from various automakers, including Honda, Nissan, Ford, GM, and Toyota. The Takata airbags were found to have a defect that could cause the inflators to explode and spray metal shrapnel into the vehicle, injuring or killing the occupants. The defect was linked to at least 27 deaths and hundreds of injuries globally. Takata pleaded guilty to fraud charges and filed for bankruptcy in 2017.
Another case is the ARC Automotive airbag recall, which affected more than 8 million vehicles in the U.S. from various automakers, including GM, Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota, and Hyundai. The ARC Automotive airbags were found to have a defect that could cause the inflators to rupture and spray hot gas and debris into the vehicle, injuring or killing the occupants. The defect was linked to at least two deaths and four injuries in the U.S. ARC Automotive has resisted the NHTSA’s recall request, leading to a scheduled hearing to determine the necessity of a comprehensive recall.
These cases have raised serious questions and concerns about the safety and quality of the airbag industry, as well as the oversight and regulation of the automotive industry. They have also highlighted the need for more innovation and collaboration among the stakeholders, as well as more transparency and accountability from the manufacturers and suppliers.
“The airbag industry is facing a crisis of trust and credibility, and it needs to take urgent and decisive actions to restore it,” said Mary Barra, the CEO of GM and the chair of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing the major automakers in the U.S. “We are committed to working together with the regulators, the suppliers, and the consumers to ensure the safety and quality of our products, and to advance the technology and innovation that will make our vehicles safer and smarter.”
