Toyota, GM recall 61K older vehicles, tell drivers not to drive them until repair can be made

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DETROIT — Owners of certain older Toyota and Pontiac vehicles are being warned not to drive their vehicle until the air bags can be replaced. According to the Associated Press, an estimated 61,000 vehicles are being recalled because they are equipped with the infamous Takata air bags which can explode and send shrapnel flying throughout the cabin.

The recall impacts certain Toyota Corolla and Matrix vehicles from the 2003 and 2004 model years, along with the 2004 and 2005 RAV4 SUV. The recall also involves roughly 11,000 2003 and 2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles which were made at the same factory as the Toyota Matrix vehicles included in the recall.

The recalled RAV4s have Takata air bags in the driver’s side, while the other vehicles have Takata air bags in the passenger side. The Corolla and Matrix models involved in this recall also have a separate recall on them because the air bags can deploy without a crash taking place.

The Takata air bags are known for becoming faulty overtime and at least 29 people have died in the U.S. as a result of the air bags having problems. Worldwide, Takata air bags have been blamed for an additional 30 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

The airbags used volatile ammonium nitrate to cause the air bags to inflate in a crash, however the chemical propellant can deteriorate over time, causing it to explode with too much force.

“If the air bag deploys, a part inside is more likely to explode and shoot sharp metal fragments, which could cause serious injury or death to the driver or passengers,” Toyota said in a statement.

Owners of these recalled vehicles should contact a local dealership to determine how to get the car repaired before driving it again. Dealerships will be able to offer several options such as mobile repair, having the car towed to a dealer or providing vehicle pickup and delivery.

To determine if your vehicle is involved in the recall, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website to enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number.

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