Toyota Vietnam recalls more than 8,000 Altis cars due to airbag defect

The Altis series of cars equipped with Takata airbags may have a faulty air pump assembly that can crack and shatter, causing metal fragments to fly out and injure people in the car.

On December 27, 2017, Toyota announced a recall of 8,036 Altis cars assembled in Vietnam, between July 24, 2008 and December 31, 2009. The reason for this recall is to check and replace the airbag inflator assembly of the front passenger airbag.

Altis 2009 made in Vietnam.

According to the Japanese automaker, the airbag inflator assembly manufactured by Takata is not properly manufactured, which puts it at risk of moisture intrusion over time. In the event of a collision, depending on the circumstances, the release of inert gas could create excessive pressure inside the airbag inflator assembly and lead to the possibility of the airbag inflator assembly rupturing.

In the event of a rupture of the inflator assembly, metal fragments of the inflator may be ejected through the inflated airbag, posing a risk of serious injury to passengers. Toyota Vietnam has not yet recorded any related accidents.

For non-genuine imported Altis vehicles that may be affected, Toyota Vietnam will support free inspection and replacement upon request from vehicle owners.Previously, in July 2017, Toyota recalled 32,009 Altis, imported Vios and domestically assembled Vios to fix airbag errors.

Takata airbags are one of the biggest scandals in the history of the auto industry. The faulty airbags first appeared eight years ago, and have now killed about 20 people worldwide. Takata filed for bankruptcy in the US and Japan in late June 2017.The 84-year-old company will be sold to rival airbag maker KSS (Key Safety Systems), part of Ningbo Joyson Electronic Group, a major parts maker in China.

According to VNE