Toyota Airbag Recalls

/

Takada airbagsBlaming its supplier, Toyota has recalled about 247,000 vehicles equipped with faulty airbags. This is part of the estimated 16 million cars affected by the Japanese-made Takada inflators since 2008. In a press release, the company explains the recall process:

TOYOTA INTENSIFIES EFFORT TO REPAIR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATORS

TORRANCE, Calif., October 20, 2014 – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., today announced plans to conduct a supplemental safety recall of approximately 247,000 Toyota Corolla, Matrix, Sequoia, Tundra and Lexus SC vehicles produced from 2001 to 2004 and equipped with front passenger airbag inflators supplied by Takata Corporation. This action intensifies Toyota's efforts to reach customers and remedy previously recalled vehicles, and a small number of newly included vehicles, in certain geographic areas that appear to warrant immediate action, based on testing by the supplier. (Continue reading.)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a list of affected vehicles, most before 2004.

Image source.

Discussion Starters:

  • Read Toyota's press release. How is the company trying to distance itself from the defect and promote the Toyota brand?
  • What else would you suggest Toyota do at this point to manage the news?