— Toyota today announced they will conduct two separate recalls involving approximately 752,000 model year 2003-2004 Corolla, Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles, along with about 270,000 model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS vehicles.
On the Corolla and Corolla Matrix recall, Toyota says the air bag control module for the supplemental restraint system could have been manufactured with circuits that are susceptible to internal shorting.
An internal short could create abnormal current flow and increased heat that could cause the front air bag(s) and/or seat belt pretensioners to deploy without a crash occurring.
The second recall involves the front wipers on certain Lexus IS vehicles where the wiper arm nut might not be tight. Too much pressure on the wipers, such as from a large amount of snow, could prevent the wipers from working.
The affected vehicles include 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011.
Damaged Reputation
The two recalls are further embarrassments for Toyota, who has been in the news a lot recently for all the wrong reasons:
- Toyota recalled more vehicles in the U.S. in 2012 than any other manufacturer, earning the title of Recall King of 2012
- They were losers in a demanding new crash test by the IIHS.
- They also agreed to pay $17 million for failing to report safety defects in a timely manner.
Toyota has not released a schedule of when the recalls will begin. Owners will receive notification by mail and any Toyota or Lexus dealer will perform the needed repairs. Owners can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 or Lexus at 800-255-3987.
