The previous-generation Toyota Prius and closely-related Lexus CT 200h are being recalled over concerns that the inflators of the curtain airbags could enter the vehicle’s cabin. The issue is confirmed to not be related to the huge global Takata airbag recall.
Toyota reports that the curtain shield airbag inflators in the roof rails are comprised of two chambers that are welded together. For an unknown reason, some inflators may have formed a crack in the welding area joining the chambers, which over time could grow and eventually separate the inflator chambers.
As a result, one or both sections of the inflator could enter the interior of the vehicle, which poses an injury risk if an occupant is in the vehicle.
A spokesperson from Toyota has confirmed with CarAdvice that for the inflator chamber to enter the cabin, the airbag would need to be partially deployed - therefore the vehicle would need to be involved in a collision for the fault to occur.
Toyota Prius vehicles affected by the recall were built from 1 April 2009 to 25 April 2012. The VIN ranges for these units can be viewed here.
Affected Lexus CT 200h hatches were built from 1 September 2010 to 27 April 2012. The VIN ranges for these vehicles can be viewed here.
Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted via mail.
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