One of the world’s largest car manufacturers has announced a recall of more than one million vehicles in response to a defect that could cause airbags not to deploy.
Toyota Motor said it would recall 1.12 million vehicles worldwide because a short circuit in a sensor could cause airbags not to deploy as designed.
This will affect vehicles from 2020 through to 2022 models, with one million vehicles in the United States being recalled.
The affected models include the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, RX350 Highlander and Sienna Hybrid, according to Reuters.
Toyota has announced three major recalls in recent months
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The sensors ensure airbags do not deploy if a small adult or child is sitting in the front seat, which will require dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the sensors.
The Japanese brand said it plans to begin notifying owners about the recall in February next year.
As with all other vehicle recalls, the manufacturer of the vehicle will cover the bill, rather than passing this on to the driver.
This is the third major recall this year after Toyota identified 1.85 million RAV4 SUV models that were at risk of catching fire.
The recall stated that replacement 12-volt batteries might not be properly secured for models made between 2013 and 2018.
The US-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation in 2021, looking into reports of “thermal events”.
Another incident in October saw the manufacturer recall 700,000 Toyota Highlander SUVs to replace the mounting tabs that hold the front bumper cover assembly in place.
Other major manufacturers have been stung by recall notices, including Tesla after more than two million of its electric vehicles were described as being “open to foreseeable misuse”.
The Elon Musk-led brand recalled millions of cars to address an issue with its Autopilot advanced driver-assistance system.
The NHTSA had been investigating the brand for two years after concerns relating to its electric vehicles adequately made sure that drivers were paying attention when using the Autopilot system.
Motorists will now be able to see whether their vehicle has been included in a recall when they take the car for an MOT test.
It will inform the driver about what the fault is, what they should do next if it has been affected and who they should contact for further information.
The DVSA said this was “great news” for motorists as they now have further guarantees that their vehicles will be safe when visiting an MOT garage.
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Tesla announced a two million vehicle recall this month
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The MOT certificate is expected to carry a message that clarifies whether the vehicle has an outstanding recall, with further advice for the driver to contact their nearest DVSA dealership for information and to arrange a free repair.