Toyota issues recall for 145,000 cars due to airbag defect

Toyota recall overview: 

• Who: Toyota has recalled over 145,000 Grand Highlander and Lexus TX550 vehicles. 
• Why: The airbags might not work as intended in a crash, the recall states.
• Where: The Toyota recall is active in the United States.

Toyota has recalled over 145,000 Grand Highlander and Lexus TX550 vehicles because of a risk the airbags might not work properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. 

The recall was sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on June 20. 

It applies to 145,254 Toyota-made vehicles, including the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, 2024 Lexus TX350, 2024 Lexus TX500 Hybrid, 2024 Lexus TX550 Hybrid +.

Side airbags don’t open properly

According to the automaker, the recalled vehicles are fitted with curtain shield airbags. These airbags are designed to deploy from the side roof rails during certain crashes. 

However, in the recalled vehicles, during deployment of the curtain shield airbag on the driver’s side, the front portion of the airbag may not unroll as intended, Toyota says. 

This means a portion of the airbag may end up outside of the driver’s window opening if the window is down. 

“If the driver’s curtain shield airbag deploys with a portion of the airbag outside of the window opening, the vehicle may not meet certain ejection headform displacement requirements,” the recall says. “This could result in an increased risk of injury during certain crashes.” 

Free repair for drivers

Toyota says it has not yet worked out what exactly it will do to repair the issue. However, it says all involved vehicles will be provided a repair at no cost, when a solution is determined.

Letters notifying owners of the affected vehicles will be sent out by Aug. 19, 2024, Toyota said. 

Meanwhile, Toyota issued several recalls lately over concerns involving defective camera displays, loss of motive power and doors that could open while a vehicle is in motion. It also apologized earlier this month after an investigation by the Japanese government found it cheated on certification tests. 

Consumers also recently filed a class action lawsuit against the automaker over claims that it failed to disclose a vehicle defect.

Are you affected by this Toyota recall? Let us know in the comments! 

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