Toyota Canada Inc. has reissued a ‘do not drive’ warning for about 7,300 vehicles. The company issued the warning as part of a decade-old campaign to remind customers that their cars may have defective Takata airbags.
Toyota Canada media spokesman Philip Crowe said in an email Jan. 30 that the recall is not new. Rather, it is a reminder once again of the existing caveats regarding Takata airbags.
The 2003 and 2004 Corolla and 2004 Corolla Matric models, as well as the 2004 and 2005 RAV4SO, are covered by the warning.
Toyota said in a statement that the airbag could explode if the airbag deploys, causing serious injury. Even the driver and passenger may die.
The company has expressed hope that this new suggestion will reach those who did not respond to the 2013 recall. The company extended this recall till 2015.
Owners can check Toyota’s recall website to see if their vehicle is covered by this warning. Owners can also contact Toyota dealerships to get the car fixed for free.
Takata used volatile ammonium nitrate to inflate airbags during a crash. But these chemicals can react adversely at high temperatures and humidity. It can also explode with great force.
At least 26 people in the United States have died from Takata inflators since May 2009. At least 30 people have died across the country, including Malaysia and Australia. In addition, about 400 people were injured. The explosion of the airbag led Japan’s Takata to bankruptcy.
