Toyota Recalls Celica, RAV4, and Supra for Air Bag Inflator Defect
Toyota is recalling 1997-2000 Celica, RAV4, and Supra vehicles because driver air bag inflators may rupture or underinflate in a crash.
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 recall involves a structural vehicle defect where air bag inflators may rupture, posing a risk of serious injury or death from metal fragments or lack of protection.
Plain-English summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV, 1998-1999 Celica, and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, these inflators may absorb moisture, which can cause the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Toyota will notify owners, who have the option to self-inspect or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel to determine if the vehicle is equipped with an affected inflator. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
The recalled product
- Product
- TOYOTA CELICA, RAV4, SUPRA
- Brand
- TOYOTA
- Manufacturer
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Category
- Vehicle — Air Bag
- Affected units
- 138,842
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 (3)
- CELICA
- RAV4
- SUPRA
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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