Toyota Issues Urgent “Do Not Drive” Advisory for Takata Airbag Recall

On January 25, 2024, Toyota issued an immediate "DO NOT DRIVE" advisory for specific vehicle models due to an urgent Takata airbag safety recall. The affected vehicles include model year 2003-2004 Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and model year 2004-2005 RAV4 vehicles, totaling approximately 50,000 units in the United States. This advisory serves as a critical warning to owners, emphasizing the severe risks of not promptly addressing the safety recall.

The recall involves tens of millions of vehicles and includes a specific set of airbags in the identified Toyota models. These airbags are part of an urgent safety recall due to their potential to cause grave harm. Given the age of these vehicles, there is an increased risk that if the airbag deploys, it may rupture and release sharp metal fragments, presenting a serious threat to the driver and passengers. The consequences of an exploding airbag could result in severe injury or even death, making it crucial for affected vehicle owners to take immediate action.

The most vital message from Toyota is clear: owners of the affected vehicles should not drive them until the necessary safety recall repair has been conducted. This advisory is not to be taken lightly, as the safety of the driver, passengers, and others on the road is at stake. Toyota strongly urges owners not to operate their vehicles and to contact their local dealer immediately for further instructions.

To encourage owners to act promptly, Toyota is offering several options for addressing the recall at no cost to the owner. These options include:

• Mobile repair: Some dealers may provide mobile repair services at the vehicle's location, ensuring convenience for the owner.
• Towing to dealership: If necessary, dealers can arrange towing services to transport the vehicle safely to the dealership.
• Vehicle pickup and delivery: Toyota dealerships may offer vehicle pickup and delivery services to minimize the inconvenience to the owner.
• Alternate transportation: In some cases, dealerships may provide alternate transportation options while the recall repair is performed.

Visit the Toyota website at Toyota.com/recall or the  NHTSA website at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is included. You'll need to enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information to check your vehicle's status.

Toyota customer support is readily available through the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 for any additional questions or concerns. The support team can assist, clarify doubts, and guide you through the recall process.

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