2003-05 Toyota Corolla recalled for Takata airbag fix

Toyota Australia has added more than 6000 Corollas produced between 2003 and 2005 to its ongoing Takata recall.

As with all Takata recalls, the airbag propellant in affected vehicles degrades over time when exposed to heat and humidity.

If an affected vehicle is involved in an accident, the airbag could fire with too much force and send shrapnel flying into the cabin, putting occupants at risk of serious injury or death.

• A total of 6260 vehicles are included in the recall from model years 2003 to 2005.
• A VIN list of affected vehicles is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

Toyota Australia will contact owners of the affected vehicles and advise them to organise a free replacement airbag inflator.

What is the Takata recall?

The recall relates to airbag inflators manufactured by now-defunct Japanese company Takata.

Airbags included in the recall rely on a propellant gas that degrades when exposed to heat and humidity.

If a vehicle with a faulty inflator is involved in a crash, the metal airbag inflator housing might rupture, sending metal shrapnel shooting into the cabin.

The problem poses a serious risk of injury or death to occupants. More than 20 people have been killed globally by faulty Takata airbag inflators, including two in Australia, and more than 230 people have been seriously injured.

Although all Takata airbags are dangerous, some are more deadly than others.

Airbag inflators labelled ‘Alpha’ have a 50 per cent chance of shooting shrapnel into the cabin when deployed, although even the less dangerous ‘Beta’ airbags can be lethal.

More recently, a pool of vehicles fitted with dangerous airbags known as ‘non-azide driver inflators’ has been identified.

Carmakers have started buying back older cars fitted with these inflators, as it’s cheaper than sourcing an airbag replacement.

A recall for all vehicles with Takata airbag inflators was made mandatory by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in February 2018. Carmakers need to replace all faulty airbags by December 31, 2020, or face strict penalties.

How can I check if my car is included?

Head to https://ismyairbagsafe.com.au/ and enter your number plate into the box. It will then direct you to the relevant manufacturer website.

Alternatively, manufacturers have their own phone lines:

• Audi: 1300 557 405
• BMW: 133 269
• Chrysler: 1300 133 079
• Ford: 13 3673
• Holden: 1800 46 465 336
• Honda: 1800 804 954
• Jaguar: 1300 787 803
• Jeep: 1300 133 079
• Land Rover: 1800 625 642
• Lexus: 1800 023 009
• Mazda: 1800 034 411
• Mercedes-Benz: 1300 762 718
• Mitsubishi: 1800 931 811
• Nissan: 1800 988 334
• Performax: 1800 737 367
• Skoda: 1800 607 540
• Toyota: 1800 987 366
• Volkswagen: 1800 607 822