This advisory, labeled "Do Not Drive," extends its reach to encompass select models of the colossal automaker, ranging from the years 2003 to 2005. The perilous association between airbag inflators produced by Takata and over 30 fatalities since 2009 has raised substantial concerns. Toyota elucidates that in the event of airbag deployment, an internal component is more prone to detonation, projecting perilous shrapnel with the potential to inflict severe harm or even fatality upon the driver and passengers.
The vehicles implicated in this sweeping recall comprise the 2003-2004 model Corolla, the 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and the 2004-2005 RAV4. Takata's airbag inflator predicament has, in turn, become the epicenter of the most expansive safety recall in the annals of the motor industry. This massive recall spans over 100 million products and involves the cooperation of more than 20 automakers.
After traversing a timeline marked by over 15 years of recalls, litigations, and a legal inquiry in the United States, Takata succumbed to bankruptcy in 2017. The baton of its assets was then passed to Key Safety Systems, a Chinese-owned entity, for an approximate sum of $1.6 billion (£1.3 billion).
Yet, Toyota finds itself grappling with more than just this particular crisis in recent months. In a disconcerting development, the Japanese automotive behemoth suspended the shipment of certain vehicles due to irregularities detected in certification tests for diesel engines, a creation of Toyota Industries.
A thorough investigation unearthed that employees of Toyota Industries had tampered with horsepower output assessments. These affected engines, embedded in 10 globally distributed models, encompass the Hiace van and the Land Cruiser sport utility vehicle, as disclosed by Toyota.
Adding another layer to Toyota's predicament, the company is actively addressing misconduct at Daihatsu, a specialist in compact cars. Daihatsu, having confessed to falsifying safety tests spanning more than three decades, faced a raid on its headquarters by Japan's transport ministry last year. Global shipments of Daihatsu vehicles were promptly halted, and the government subsequently revoked certification for three Daihatsu models.
Responding to inquiries about the controversies surrounding its subsidiaries, Toyota's President, Koji Sato, conceded that there had been a palpable pressure on workers to cut corners in the fiercely competitive automotive industry. Sato remarked, "We recognize that not only individuals at the testing site but also the management lacked a proper understanding of certification."
In a separate announcement on Tuesday, Toyota proudly declared the sale of a record-breaking 11.2 million vehicles in the year 2023, solidifying its position as the preeminent global car manufacturer for the fourth consecutive year. In stark comparison, its closest contender, Germany's Volkswagen, recorded sales of 9.2 million vehicles in the same period.
Product recalls Toyota