Toyota recalls more than 23,000 Corolla Altis cars due to airbag defect

The Japanese carmaker said it will recall 23,157 Corolla Altis units in India due to faulty Takata airbags.

The recall involves 23,157 vehicles manufactured between January 2010 and December 2012. The recall will be phased in and the high cost will force airbag maker Takata to seek a sponsor.

Takata airbags that deploy too forcefully and send sharp metal fragments flying at vehicle occupants have killed at least 16 people, mostly in the United States, and injured more than 100. Many automakers that use Takata airbags have therefore had to recall vehicles. This is one of the largest recalls in the history of the auto industry, with more than 100 million vehicles.

After being launched in Taiwan and Southeast Asia in late 2016, the facelifted version of the Corolla Altis has been available in the Indian market since March 15, 2017. The car has LED daytime running lights as standard equipment, more advanced headlights with LED projector lights, a newly designed grille, and unique 16-inch alloy wheels.

The interior of the car is equipped with a newly designed dashboard, with a 7.0-inch touch screen. The car's safety features are improved with 7 airbags. In addition, the car is also equipped with a completely new Phantom Brown color.

In the Indian market, Toyota currently offers the following models: Etios Liva hatchback, Etios Platinum sedan, Etios Cross, Corolla Altis sedan, Innova Crysta MPV, Fortuner SUV, Camry Premium sedan, Prius hybrid sedan, Land Cruiser Prado SUV and Land Cruiser SUV.

According to Dantri