Toyota to recall 1.12 million vehicles over potential airbag issue

Toyota will recall 1.12 million vehicles worldwide due to a fault affecting their airbags.

The recall covers 2020 to 2022 model year vehicles, including various Avalon, Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, RX350 Highlander and Sienna Hybrid vehicles and could result in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors not working.

A short circuit in these models’ sensors could cause their airbags not to deploy as designed.

The sensors ensure airbags do not deploy if a small adult or child is sitting in the front seat.

Toyota and Lexus, a brand owned by Toyota Motor Corporation, will inspect the OCS sensors and replace them if necessary at no cost to owners.

The Japanese auto-giant will notify customers by the middle of February 2024 if their cars are in the recall.

Toyota issued a recall for 3,500 RAV4 models in the US in July 2022 due to potential interference between internal parts that could cause the OCS sensor to incorrectly detect the passenger.

Airbags in the front of vehicles have saved more than 50,000 lives in America over 30 years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

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They have evolved over the years, as older airbags would deploy in the same way for all drivers and occupants.

This would cause injuries and in rare cases even death to children, small adults, and unbelted passengers who were too close to the airbag as it deployed, the agency said.