The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·16V128000·Announced 2016-03-02

Toyota and Lexus Recall Vehicles for Air Bag Inflator Rupture Risk

Toyota is recalling specific 2008-2010 Lexus SC, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles because the passenger air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the defect could result in 'serious injury or death' due to metal fragments striking occupants, which aligns with the rubric criteria for Severe severity involving significant injury reports or potential for serious harm.

Plain-English summary

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC, 2008 Toyota Corolla, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured between August 3, 2007, and July 30, 2010, and were originally sold or registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

The recall addresses a defect where the passenger side frontal air bag inflator may be susceptible to moisture intrusion. Over time, this moisture could cause the inflator to rupture upon deployment. In the event of a crash requiring the air bag to deploy, the rupturing inflator could send metal fragments striking vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

The recall began on March 25, 2016, for Toyota and Lexus owners, and on June 8, 2016, for GM owners. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire assembly depending on the model. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. This recall expands recall 15V-286.

The recalled product

Product
LEXUS, TOYOTA, PONTIAC SC, COROLLA MATRIX, COROLLA, VIBE
Brand
LEXUS
Manufacturer
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Category
Vehicle — Air Bag
Hazard
Affected units
71,163

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (4)

  • SC
  • COROLLA MATRIX
  • COROLLA
  • VIBE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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