UMW Toyota Recalls Certain Toyota Corolla Altis, Lexus RX and NX Models- Airbag Sensor

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, has issued a recall to certain units of Toyota Corolla Altis, Lexus NX and Lexus RX models to inspect and if required, replace the airbag sensor. 

Its principal, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) started global Special Service Campaign regarding an airbag sensor which was announced on 31^st January. Based on information received from TMC, the number of affected models which are manufactured from June 2015 to January 2016 are:

• Toyota Corolla Altis: 2,800 units
• Lexus NX and Lexus RX: around 500 units

The defect relates to manufacturing issues as there are possibilities that the insulation of Integrated Circuit (IC) chips in affected Pressure sensors and G sensors could peel off over time, creating an open circuit in the IC chip.  If this were to occur, the airbag warning light will illuminate.

Further, the side/curtain airbags and/or front airbags can become deactivated and will not deploy when required to. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants in the event of a crash.

UMWT will notify affected owners once the replacement parts are available. The work should take about 30 minutes to 4 hours (depending on model) and all costs for the replacement will be borne by UMWT.

Owners of affected cars can first check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at Toyota’s Special Service Campaign (SSC) website. Owners can also contact any authorized Toyota Service centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-869682 (TOYOTA).

For Lexus owners, customers can contact Lexus authorized dealers nationwide or contact its Freephone at 1800-88-53987 (LEXUS).

To those who have installed the Toyota Drive apps, there is a link to Toyota’s SSC page and the VIN checker.