Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota and Nissan recall 6.5 million cars over airbag fault

Toyota confirms specific UK and European models affected, as Takata locates source of faulty airbag inflations

Toyota Avensis

In the latest (and hopefully) final development of the Takata airbag saga, Toyota has announced specific recall figures to replace faulty airbag parts that cause accidental inflations. Nissan has confirmed UK cars will be affected, and Honda also prepares to announce more recalls.

The announcement is the latest of several since the problem was first brought to light back in 2008. Since then, Japan's three biggest carmakers (along with seven others who used Takata as a supplier) have recalled around 25 million vehicles globally.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The latest recall sees at least 6.5 million vehicles added to that globally Toyota has stated that around 1.2 million of those will be European models, with a preliminary estimate of 160,000 in the UK. Toyota's recall will effect models such as the Corolla, Yaris, Avensis, Avensis Verso, Picnic, RAV4 and Hilux built between 2003 and 2007.

Nissan X-Trail

According to a Toyota spokesman, the Japanese parts supplier has "now got a clearer understanding of the issue" and identified the specific cause that saw moisture enter the airbags's deployment system. He also claims that "there are no reports of injury or deaths in Toyota cars" as a result of the issue.

The same cannot be said for Honda, who has previously reported six deaths that were linked to the airbag falsely inflating. The Japanese firm is "in preparations" to announce specific details of European or UK cars affected soon.

Customers affected by Toyota's recall will be contacted by dealerships by phone or post in the next six weeks to resolve the issue free of charge. The recall is being treated as purely precautionary and for investigative purposes.

Nissan has released a statement saying it will "expand its ongoing Takata Passenger Air Bag Inflator Recall Campaign to include additional  model year 2004 to 2007 vehicles equipped with “SPI” inflators". 

That will mean a further 100,000 cars will be affected, with the Navara pickup, Almera and Almera Tino, Terrano II and X-Trail. Customers will be notified of what action will be taken in June, with dealers replacing the faulty part in June.

Check out our run-down of the best selling cars in the UK right now...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Toyota's hydrogen commitment reinforced by new mk3 fuel-cell system announcement
Toyota 3rd-generation hydrogen fuel cell

Toyota's hydrogen commitment reinforced by new mk3 fuel-cell system announcement

A successor to the Mirai hasn’t been revealed
News
17 Feb 2025
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: new cabin pictures and trim details released
Toyota Urban Cruiser - front 3/4 with Charlie

Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: new cabin pictures and trim details released

New compact electric SUV from Toyota opens its doors to give us a close look inside
News
10 Feb 2025
Best car makers for brand loyalty: only one can top Tesla
Toyota Prius - front cornering, close

Best car makers for brand loyalty: only one can top Tesla

Three in four Toyota buyers would stick with the brand in the future, with the firm’s premium marque, Lexus, also performing well in this regard
News
7 Feb 2025
New Toyota MR2 is all but confirmed
Toyota MR2 design render (watermarked)

New Toyota MR2 is all but confirmed

Work is under way on a new petrol two-seater that will use the mid-engined powertrain from Toyota's Tokyo Auto Salon concept
News
22 Jan 2025

Most Popular

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced
Opinion - expensive cars

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced

Not matter how good a new car might be, Mike Rutherford thinks it will ultimately fail if it's overpriced
Opinion
16 Feb 2025
Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win
Ford Capri and Cupra Tavascan - front tracking

Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win

Ford brought back the iconic Capri name for its new coupé-SUV, which shares its platform with the fresh Cupra Tavascan. Which is the top dog?
Car group tests
15 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts