AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES TAKATA RECALL FOR GREY IMPORTS WITH NADI AIRBAG INFLATORS

Toyota has agreed to assist the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) with a recall of vehicles fitted with Takata NADI airbags imported through concessional pathways.

The vehicles, commonly known as ‘grey imports’, were produced between March 1997 and August 1999 (inclusive) and are equipped with Takata-produced single-stage non-azide front driver's airbag inflators (referred to by Takata as "NADI").

There are approximately 703 Celica (ST202), RAV4 (SXA15), Caldina (ST215), Supra (JZA80), Corolla (AE111), MR2 (SW20), and Vitz (SCP10) ‘grey import’ vehicles in the Australian market.

Although the vehicles in question were not sold by Toyota Australia, the company takes the safety of its customers and vehicles very seriously. We are working hard to replace any faulty Takata NADI airbag inflators.

To assist vehicle owners, Toyota dealers will replace the airbag inflator free of charge.

The vehicles are fitted with a Takata NADI 5-AT driver airbag inflator that could allow moisture to enter the unit and degrade the airbag propellant. If this occurs, the properties of the propellant may be changed so that the propellant does not react as intended during a collision, causing mis-deployment of the airbag.

If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision, the airbag inflator could rupture, causing sharp metal fragments to enter the vehicle cabin at high speed, increasing the risk of serious injury or death to vehicle occupants.

There is also a risk that the airbag may underinflate in a collision and may not protect the driver as intended.

Toyota Australia will contact all owners of involved ‘grey import’ vehicles via mail to provide details of this safety recall campaign. Owners are asked to keep their contact details up to date with Toyota so future communications can be received.

Owners with additional questions or concerns are asked to please urgently contact their local/preferred Toyota Dealer in the first instance or the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00am-6.00pm AEST). Please quote your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Campaign Code VGT55.

Q&A

Q1. What models are involved in Australia?
A1. There are approximately 703 ‘grey import’ Toyota vehicles involved in the Australian market with repairs outstanding. Please refer to the below table for details.

Q2. What is the condition? (Description)
A2: Affected vehicles are fitted with a Takata NADI 5-AT driver airbag inflator that could allow moisture to enter the unit and degrade the airbag propellant. If this occurs, the properties of the propellant may be changed so that the propellant does not react as intended during a collision, causing mis-deployment of the airbag.

If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision, the airbag inflator could rupture, causing sharp metal fragments to enter the vehicle cabin at high speed, increasing the risk of serious injury or death to vehicle occupants.

There is also a risk that the airbag may underinflate in a collision and may not protect the driver as intended.

Q3. What does the remedy involve?
A3: Toyota dealers will replace the airbag inflator free of charge to ‘grey import’ vehicle owners.

Q4. How long will the remedy take?
A4: The replacement will take between 1-2 hours; however, depending on the Dealer's work schedule, owners may be required to make the vehicle available for longer.

Q5. Can I continue to drive my vehicle?
A5.  No. We advise owners of affected vehicles to stop using their vehicles. We request owners urgently contact their local/preferred Toyota dealership to arrange recall completion as soon as possible.

In the meantime, if you have any concerns, please contact your local/preferred Toyota dealership or the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00-6.00pm AEST).

Q6. Does this condition affect other Toyota models?
A6. Only ‘grey import’ models mentioned in the range we identified [refer table at question 1] are involved in the Australian market.

Q7. My vehicle is in the affected production range. What should I do?
A7. Please urgently contact your closest/preferred Toyota dealer to verify if your vehicle is affected. Alternatively, please contact the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 (Mon-Fri 8.00am-6.00pm AEST). Please quote your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Q8. Where can I find my VIN?
A8. VIN number location varies by model. For information on how to find the VIN position specific to your vehicle, please search "vehicle identification number" in the alphabetical index at the rear of your Owner's Manual.