‘Do Not Drive’ advisory issued for recalled Toyota cars

Toyota has issued a “Do Not Drive” advisory for certain Toyota Corolla, Toyota Corolla Matrix, and Toyota RAV4 vehicles from the 2003 through 2005 model years.

These vehicles may still be equipped with Takata airbags that are subject to recall due to potential safety issues.

Toyota is warning owners not to drive more than 50,000 vehicles, which still contain recalled Takata airbags that could explode and cause serious injuries or death.

Under the Toyota airbag recall and warning, announced on January 25, the company is advising owners of these vehicles to immediately have the airbag inflators inspected and repaired because vehicles may still be equipped with defective Takata inflators that are prone to overinflate and rupture airbags, sending sharp debris into the passenger compartment.

Toyoto’s statement said, “In the interest of your safety and the safety of others on the road, we strongly advise you not to drive your vehicle until the airbag inflators have been inspected and repaired.”  

Since 2014, the global recall of Takata airbags has affected nearly 100 million vehicles, prompted by the discovery of faulty and unreliable inflators prone to over inflation and explosion, which can spray the inside of the vehicle with shrapnel when deployed.

In the U.S., the recall affected around 67 million vehicles from over 20 automobile manufacturers, marking one of the largest and most intricate series of recalls ever recorded in the country.

Officials suggest that the problem with the Takata airbag inflators originates from the manufacturer’s use of the chemical ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbags during an auto accident. This chemical can react to heat or humidity upon exposure, leading to its breakdown within the metal enclosure, which ultimately can result in an explosion of metal debris.

To date, at least 38 people have died worldwide and more than 400 have been injured due to the recalled Takata airbags.

Toyota will provide free repair or replacement of the airbag. To check if your vehicle is affected, visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and input your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

For any additional questions, customers can also call the Toyota Brand Engagement Center 1-800-331-4331.