Takata airbags that are still a danger at Toyota

Toyota Canada has issued a new urgent warning for approximately 7,300 cars as part of a 10-year-old campaign to remind customers that their vehicles may be equipped with defective Takata airbags.

A spokesperson for Toyota Canada clarified on Tuesday via email that the recall is not new but rather a repetition of an existing recall for Takata airbags that could explode and project metal fragments.

The warning applies to the 2003 and 2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix models, as well as the 2004 and 2005 RAV4 models.

If the inflator ruptures, metal fragments could penetrate the airbag material, potentially hitting the vehicle occupants and resulting in serious injury or death.

The company hopes that the notice will reach those who did not respond to the first recall in 2013, as well as an expanded recall in 2015, said Toyota Canada spokesperson Phillip Crowe.

Owners can check Toyota’s recall website to see if their vehicles are affected and contact a Toyota dealer to have their cars repaired free of charge.

Takata used volatile ammonium nitrate to cause a small explosion to inflate the airbags during an accident. However, the propellant can deteriorate over time or after prolonged exposure to ambient humidity and high temperature fluctuations, according to the recall notice.

It can explode under excessive force, causing the metal inflator housing to rupture and eject pieces.

At least 26 people have been killed in the United States by Takata airbags since May 2009, and at least 30 people have died worldwide, including in Malaysia and Australia. Additionally, around 400 people have been injured. The airbag explosions led to Takata’s bankruptcy in Japan.

Crowe mentioned that the company is not aware of any inflator ruptures or injuries among Canadian drivers related to the recall.

Takata airbag malfunctions have led to the largest series of vehicle recalls in history, affecting more than 100 million vehicles worldwide.

(Credit: Translation provided by DeepL)