Toyota has recalled about 65,000 of its cars due to air bags that could explode and hurl shrapnel at the driver or passengers, the company announced Wednesday.
The recall includes certain 2003-2005 Corollas, 2002-2005 Sequoias, 2003-2005 Tundras and 2002-2005 Lexus SC cars in the U.S., a release from the company stated.
The vehicles were part of a previous recalls where front passenger airbag inflators were replaced with new Takata-produced, air bag inflators, the release said.
However, a safety defect in the Takata air bag inflators could arise after “prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity and high temperature cycling,” that could cause them to explode, the company said.
“If a defective inflator ruptures, it may cause sharp metal fragments to pass through the airbag and spray directly at the driver and passengers, increasing the risk of serious injury or death,” according to the release.
At least 23 people have died worldwide due to the problem caused by inflators made by Takata Corp., resulting in the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history. They cover 37 million vehicles and about 50 million inflators in the U.S. About 100 million inflators are being recalled worldwide.
The recalls forced Takata of Japan to seek bankruptcy protection.
Toyota dealers will now replace the front passenger airbag inflator at no cost to owners, officials said.
“Toyota’s and other automakers’ outreach to involved owners of vehicles equipped with Takata airbags is designed to help resolve this issue as quickly, conveniently, and safely as possible,” Toyota said.
The auto manufacturer added that the recall is being done a year before a schedule that was set by U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
