Takata Airbag Crisis: Toyota Recalls Vios, Corolla Altis, Alphard, and Yaris in Malaysia; 80,000 Vehicles Affected

UMW Toyota Motor has announced that a further 80,000 Toyota vehicles in Malaysia have been added to the massive number of cars recalled for having defective Takata airbags.

Models affected by this round of recalls include the Vios, Corolla Altis, Alphard, and Yaris manufactured between October 2007 and December 2011.

The given total of 80,000 vehicles covers only vehicles officially sold through UMW Toyota’s network; grey-imported Toyota models which may be affected by this recall are not included in the figure.

According to an official statement issued by the company, this latest recall is to replace defective inflator modules for the front passenger airbags of the affected vehicles.

The statement further elaborates that the defect is caused by propellant degradation eventually causing the module to rupture and sending metal shrapnel upon deployment of the airbag in an accident.

This defect has been known to be the direct cause of several deaths across the world, although no Toyota vehicle is known to be involved in such a case in Malaysia to date.

As with other manufacturers involved in this massive recall, there is a waiting period before replacement parts are ready to be installed into affected vehicles. UMW Toyota will reach out to contact affected owners upon availability of replacement parts for an appointment with an authorised service centre.

Owners of Toyota vehicles are advised to contact any authorised Toyota service centre or the Toyota Freephone at 1-800-8-TOYOTA (1-800-8-869682). Owners can also check if their vehicle is involved in the latest recall at UMW Toyota’s VIN Checker webpage.