Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) has announced a significant recall affecting a range of Lexus and Toyota vehicles from the 2020 to 2022 model years. This recall, necessitated by a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, underscores a critical safety issue that could potentially prevent the deployment of the front passenger airbag.
The recall spans a variety of models, including:
- Lexus ES (2020-2021)
- Lexus ES Hybrid (2020-2022)
- Lexus RX and RX Hybrid (2020-2021)
- Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid (2020-2021)
- Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid (2020-2022)
- Toyota Corolla, Highlander, and their Hybrid variants (2020-2021)
- Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid (2020-2021)
- Toyota Sienna Hybrid (2021)
The issue originates from the Occupant Classification System sensors located in the front passenger seat. These sensors play a pivotal role in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), determining the deployment of the front passenger airbag based on the occupant load. A defect has been identified wherein, during production, the sensor’s Printed Circuit Board (PCB) became deformed. This deformation can cause a crack in a capacitor, leading to moisture intrusion over time and resulting in a short circuit.
The malfunctioning of these sensors poses a significant risk. In the event of a short circuit, the SRS warning lamp and the “Passenger Airbag OFF” lamp will illuminate, accompanied by a message on the Multi-Information Display (MID). The most concerning consequence is that the front passenger airbag may not deploy in certain crashes, markedly increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
To address this issue, Toyota dealers will conduct inspections and replace the sensor where necessary. The recall is comprehensive in its scope, and owner notification letters are expected to be dispatched starting February 4, 2024.
Toyota has assigned the numbers 23TB15/23TA15 for Toyota and 23LB03/23LA03 for Lexus vehicles to this recall. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has registered this recall under campaign number 23V-865.
This recall by Toyota highlights the intricate nature of modern automotive safety systems and the critical importance of their proper functioning. Owners of the affected vehicles are urged to heed the recall notice and have their vehicles inspected and repaired as necessary to ensure their safety and that of their passengers.
