Toyota expands Takata recall

Toyota Australia has issued a notice for previous-generation 2013 Corolla, Rukus and Yaris models as part of the ongoing Takata airbag recall.

Affected vehicles are fitted with potentially-deadly passenger airbags, which are susceptible to moisture intrusion over time – this is an extension of the recall issued this time last year, where 111,214 Corolla, Rukus and Yaris units were affected.

If the condition occurs, the metal inflator housing could rupture or explode under too much internal pressure when deployed, shooting metal fragments into the cabin.

Toyota warns that this poses a significant risk of injury, even death to the vehicle's occupants.

Numbers of affected units by model line are as follows:

A VIN table for these vehicles can be viewed here. Affected models were produced from 7 January 2013 through 25 December 2013.

Owners are urged to contact their local dealer or Toyota's head office to arrange the replacement of their faulty airbags free of charge.

For more information, contact 1800 987 366.

Faulty Takata airbags have been linked to 19 deaths globally, including one in Australia, along with some 200 injuries. While 12 manufacturers have already issued recall notices for around 4 million vehicles in Australia, the government wants further action to be taken.

Owners who think their vehicle could be affected should check to see if their unit's make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN) are listed on the Product Safety Australia website.

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