Toyota Takes Action on 1 Million Vehicles: In a bid to address potential safety issues, Toyota has initiated a recall of approximately 1 million cars and SUVs in the United States. The recall is centered on a possible defect in the Occupant Classification System sensor, which could compromise the deployment of passenger airbags during a crash. This move aims to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants, and owners of the affected models will be notified to bring their vehicles for inspection and necessary replacements.
The recall encompasses a range of 2020 and 2021 Toyota and Lexus models, including popular vehicles such as the Camry, Rav4, Sienna, RX350, and ES350. The focus of the recall is on the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, a critical component responsible for detecting the presence and weight of individuals in the front passenger seat.
The OCS sensor plays a pivotal role in determining whether the airbag should deploy and the force it should exert based on the size and weight of the passenger. In cases where a child is detected, the airbag might not deploy to prevent potential harm due to the force of deployment on a smaller individual.
The specific concern prompting the recall is a potential short circuit in the OCS sensor, which may result from improper manufacturing. A short circuit in the sensor poses the risk of the airbag failing to deploy when it should, leading to safety implications during crashes.
Toyota, in its announcement, did not disclose whether there have been reported injuries related to this issue. However, the proactive recall underscores the automaker’s commitment to addressing potential safety hazards promptly.
Owners of the affected vehicles will receive notifications from Toyota, expected by mid-February 2024. These notifications will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to Toyota or Lexus dealerships for thorough inspections of the OCS sensor. If necessary, the sensor will be replaced at no cost to the vehicle owner, ensuring the continued safety of passengers.
This recall is part of Toyota’s ongoing efforts to prioritize customer safety and address any potential defects promptly. As vehicle safety remains a paramount concern, automakers continue to implement measures to enhance the reliability and security of their vehicles on the road.
Our Reader’s Queries
What vehicles is Toyota recalling?
Toyota has issued a recall for a number of 2023 models, such as the Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and Tacoma, as well as the 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, and 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. The recall is due to a problem with the electrical connection inside the vehicles.
Which Toyota cars are affected by the airbag recall?
Several vehicles may be impacted by the recall, including the Avalon or Avalon Hybrid (2020 – 2021), Camry or Camry Hybrid (2020 – 2022), Corolla (2020 – 2021), RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid (2020 – 2021), Lexus ES250 (2021), Lexus ES300H (2020 – 2022), Lexus ES350 (2020 – 2021), and Lexus RX350 (2020 – 2021).
What is the Toyota acceleration scandal?
Toyota faced issues with accelerator pedals getting stuck and caught under floor mats. A jury verdict on October 24, 2013, found Toyota guilty of unintended acceleration due to flaws in the drive-by-wire throttle system or Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS).
Is there a lawsuit against Toyota?
Thousands of consumers in Orange County, Calif. have won a class action lawsuit against Toyota. The automaker’s large-scale recalls for sudden acceleration issues caused the value of their vehicles to plummet. A judge has approved a $1.6 billion settlement, providing some relief to those affected.