Dealers will inspect and replace bad airbag sensors for free, automaker says
Toyota and Lexus are recalling 49,000 cars, including 2016 Toyota Prius hybrids, 2016 Lexus RX SUVs and 2015-2016 Lexus NX hybrids because some airbags might not deploy in the event of a crash, potentially leaving passengers unprotected.
A Toyota spokesman said the affected airbag sensors have insulation layers that could peel over time. That could create an open circuit and expose the sensor to the environment. This would trigger the airbag warning light, and the side and curtain airbags and/or front airbags might not work.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 49,000 vehicles, including select 2016 Toyota Prius hybrids, 2016 Lexus RX SUVs, and 2015-2016 Lexus NX SUVs. According to a Toyota spokesman, the recall includes the gas and hybrid versions of the RX, and the gas, hybrid, and turbo versions of the NX.
The problem: According to the manufacturer, an open circuit could be created in the airbag system, possibly keeping the side, curtain shield, and/or front airbags from deploying in a crash. An airbag warning light would illuminate if an open circuit is created.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the serial number of the airbag sensors and replace them with new ones if necessary. Owners should receive notification mail starting in late March, Toyota says. The repair will be free to owners.
How to contact the manufacturer: Toyota owners can call (800) 331-4331 for details; Lexus owners can call (800) 255-3987.
NHTSA campaign number: There is no NHTSA campaign number yet.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall. Plug in the 17-digit vehicle identification number at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. It will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
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