Japanese automaker Toyota has recalled 1.12 million vehicles, including the Avalon, Corolla, Lexus ES250, ES350 and ES300H, Camry, RAV4, Sienna Hybrid, and RX350 Highlander models, over suspected airbag issues.
MALFUNCTION IN SENSORS
The issue primarily affects Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors, some of which are suspected of having a short circuit. It was stated that most of the recalled vehicles are models produced between 2020 and 2022. These sensors are responsible for determining who is sitting in the driver and passenger seats, as well as whether a child or an inanimate object is present in the passenger seat.
In the case of a child or a small adult, airbags generally do not deploy, as they have been known to cause injuries or even death in such situations. Airbags also do not deploy when inanimate objects are present.
If there is indeed a problem with the sensors, the airbags may not deploy as they should. The company announced that it will replace the airbags in vehicles experiencing this issue free of charge. Consumers can find out if their vehicles fall into this category by February 2024.
In 2022, Toyota had to recall approximately 3,500 RAV4 vehicles in the U.S. because of the likelihood of internal interference in the OCS sensors.
News Source: 12punto
