Toyota expands Takata recall, adding 1.37M vehicles

Following Honda’s lead, Toyota has announced a significant expansion in its Takata airbag recalls.
The Japanese automaker has recalled an additional 1.37 million vehicles including the 2003-2007 Corolla, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2005-2007 Sequoia, and 2003-2007 Lexus SC430. The revision brings the company’s overall airbag-recall tally up past 2.9 million vehicles.

Honda earlier in the day recalled an additional million vehicles, following a misunderstanding over the recent Takata defect announcement. The company interpreted part of the recall recommendations as being regional in nature, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration disagreed. It is unclear if the agency also pressured Toyota to expand its campaign beyond a regional action.

“Toyota’s focus remains on the safety and security of our customers, and we will continue to respond promptly to new developments so we can resolve issues for them as quickly, conveniently and safely as possible,” said Toyota North America quality chief Dino Triantafyllos.

Toyota suggests automakers and independent research firms are still attempting to determine the root cause for inflator rupture, however evidence suggests the inflator propellant is prone to degradation due to moisture exposure. The altered chemicals appear to explode with too much force, rupturing the inflator casing and potentially sending shrapnel through the vehicle cabin.