Toyota issues ‘do not drive’ advisory for vehicles involved in Takata air bag recalls

Toyota recalls overview: 

• Who: Toyota issued a “do not drive” advisory for approximately 50,000 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles along with 2004-2005 RAV4 vehicles. 
• Why: The automaker issued the Toyota air bag advisory because Takata air bags in the vehicles can explode and shoot sharp metal fragments, the Toyota advisory says.
• Where: The Toyota advisory is valid across the United States.

Toyota has issued a “do not drive” advisory for about 50,000 older vehicles because their Takata air bags, which have been involved in recalls, can explode and shoot out sharp metal fragments.

The Toyota air bag advisory applies to certain 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix cars, as well as certain 2004-2005 RAV4 SUVs.

Fragments from the vehicles’ Takata air bags — which were already recalled separately — can cause serious injury or death, the advisory says.

Toyota says customers should not drive the vehicles until a free safety repair is made at a Toyota dealership. Instead of driving the vehicle to a dealership, Toyota is asking customers to contact a Toyota dealership for a mobile repair, a tow to the dealership or other alternate transportation options, the Toyota air bag advisory says.

Toyota reaching out to known vehicle owners; drivers can also check website

Takata air bags have been connected to more than 30 deaths worldwide. In 2017, Toyota agreed to a $278.5 million settlement over claims the automaker manufactured, distributed and sold vehicles with defective Takata air bags. Toyota sent the final checks for that settlement in July 2023.

The auto company said it was directly notifying known vehicle owners about the air bag advisory. Owners can also check toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information to see if their vehicle is affected by the advisory.

Toyota can be reached at 800-331-4331.

Toyota also recalled 1 million model year 2020-2022 Toyota and Lexus vehicles over concerns that a front passenger seat sensor defect may cause air bags not to deploy properly.

Are you affected by the Toyota recalls? Let us know in the comments. 

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