Troubled Airbags, Toyota And Lexus Withdraw More Than 110,000 Vehicles

Interior Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2023. (Doc. Toyota)

JAKARTA - A Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota, is again facing problems with several of its models forcing them to recall its vehicles, including cars from premium brand Lexus. This recall is related to problems with the airbag system.

This case involved a number of production vehicles in 2023, including several Toyota and Lexus models. The problem occurred due to a production error in the cable weaving device that installed the wheel of the vehicle, which is where the airbag is on the driver's side.

Reporting from Carscoops, Tuesday, July 18, Toyota realized the issue in May 2023 after suppliers reported production problems on steering wheels.

The problem was caused by contamination at certain parts of the washing station which led to poor welding of the "Flexible Flat Cable" (FFC).

After investigating the possible risks of this problem, Toyota found that welding separation in the FFC could cause airbags from the driver's side to be disconnected, so that airbags cannot expand during incidents or accidents. Of course, this could increase the risk of injury or death for drivers in an accident situation.

However, Toyota has anticipated this issue. If the FFC is detached from the cable bar, the warning light inside the vehicle will turn on to notify the driver of the matter.

The total affected vehicles reached 110,047 units, covering several Toyota models such as Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and Tacoma. As for the Lexus model, there are RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid.

On August 27, Toyota will contact the owners of the affected vehicle and urge them to take their cars to the nearest dealers, where technicians will check the steering wheel. If the problem is severe enough, the technician will replace it at no additional cost.