Toyota has announced a safety recall affecting approximately 12,600 of its 2022-2023 model year Corolla Cross vehicles in the United States. This recall addresses a potential issue with the front passenger airbag, which may not deploy correctly in the event of a crash.
The recall stems from a manufacturing error in the instrument panel, the location where the passenger airbag is housed. Compounding the issue, a previous inspection process intended to catch this problem may have been ineffective due to procedural shortcomings. As a result, affected vehicles might not meet certain federal safety standards, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in a collision.
To remedy this situation, Toyota dealerships will conduct a thorough re-inspection of all vehicles involved in the recall, utilizing an improved inspection process. For any vehicle identified as requiring repair, dealers will replace the instrument panel entirely, free of charge to the vehicle owner. Toyota plans to notify owners of affected vehicles by mid-February 2024 regarding the recall and the necessary steps to take.
In the interim, Toyota is advising owners of recalled vehicles to take a precautionary measure: it is recommended that no one occupy the front passenger seat until the vehicle has undergone inspection and received the necessary remedy.
Vehicle owners can determine if their 2022 or 2023 Corolla Cross is included in this recall by visiting the Toyota recall website (Toyota.com/recall) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website (nhtsa.gov/recalls). Both websites allow users to input their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information to check for recall status.
For further inquiries or support, owners can also contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center directly at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its customers and is taking proactive steps to address this issue affecting the 2022-2023 Corolla Cross.
