Toyota recalls 23,968 vehicles over airbag fault

TOYOTA Australia was forced to recall approximately 23,968 examples of its HiLux, Corolla, Fortuner and Prius models this week with a sensor issue potentially deactivating airbags in affected vehicles.

Unrelated to the ongoing Takata airbag saga, this fault concerns two separate manufacturing issues that can lead to the insulation layers of the multiple sensors – or IC chips – peeling over time, creating an open circuit.

If this occurs, the airbag warning light will illuminate and a combination of the front, side and curtain airbags may become deactivated, which would increase the risk of injury during a collision.

There have been no recorded incidents or injuries related to this in Australia.

Starting around February 14, Toyota Australia will contact impacted owners via mail to notify them of the call back with instructions to book an appointment at a preferred Toyota dealership.

However, replacement parts are not expected to be available until the second quarter this year, after which Toyota Australia will again reach out to the affected owners and remind them to organise a service.

In the interim, Toyota Australia ''recommends drivers operate their vehicles carefully and safely to minimise the potential for vehicle accidents''.

Once parts are in stock, it will take technicians around 30 minutes to inspect the airbag sensors and determine if they need replacing.

If they do, the free-of-charge replacement process will take one to seven hours, depending on the model and number of faulty sensors.

Specifically, 17,554 examples of the HiLux mid-size utility built from June 23 to December 1, 2015 are affected, covering eight of its various configurations.

Impacted Corolla small sedans total 3850 examples produced between June 23 and November 2, 2015.

Meanwhile, 2526 examples of the Fortuner large SUV are affected, with these vehicles made from August 11 to November 30, 2015.

Manufactured between November 27 and December 25, 2015, 38 Prius hybrids are also impacted.

Any affected HiLux, Corolla, Fortuner or Prius owners looking for more information on this recall – including confirmation of impacted Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) – can contact the Toyota Australia helpline on 1800 987 366 or their local dealership.