Toyota Recalls Vehicles for Airbag Defect Causing Unintentional Deployment
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of approximately 307,848 Toyota vehicles for defective airbags that may deploy inadvertently, potentially causing injury to vehicle occupants. Toyota vehicles included in the recall are model year 2008 Highlanders, model year 2008 Highlander Hybrids, and model years 2007-2008 Rav4s.
According to the recall notice, there is a flaw with the two sensors in the curtain shield airbag (CSA) system in the airbag sensor assembly. These airbag components are meant to be designed to detect vehicle roll angle. When there is a malfunction with one of these sensors, the airbag warning light (malfunction indicator light: MIL) will illuminate and the roll detection system will be deferred. However, the airbag CSA still functions should a side collision occur. If both airbag sensors fail nearly at the same time after an initial airbag system check, there is a chance that the CSA and the seat belt pretensioner may unintentionally activate, potentially leading to vehicle occupant injury.
To fix the problem with the frontal airbags and sensor control module, Toyota is expected to replace the airbag sensor assembly with a new one that contains improved roll rate sensors at no-cost to the consumer. Owners of recalled Toyota vehicles should receive official notification early to mid-May.
Most drivers don't think twice about the performance or functionality of airbags when entering their car and heading to work or running errands. Consumers trust that auto manufacturers have upheld their vital responsibility of designing, testing, and manufacturing vehicles that are safe and free of defective parts that could cause an accident, jeopardize crashworthiness, or otherwise cause injury.
In order for individuals injured and family members of those killed by vehicle defects or auto accidents caused by vehicle defects to successfully hold negligent manufacturers liable for their negligence, they may want to consider contacting a Sacramento defective products lawyer. An attorney with experience handling auto product liability cases is familiar with the most productive ways of ensuring you and your family receives the compensation you deserve.
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