Toyota Recalls Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h 2016 Models For Possible Defective Airbags
Toyota Motor Sales recalled two Lexus 2016 models RX 350 and RX 450h for potential faulty airbags, according to a recent announcement.
The company explained that these models are equipped with a driver's knee airbag module "that may not have been properly manufactured" that could lead to malfunction and "increase the risk of injury in a crash."
Auto News reported that the Toyota Lexus 2016 models RX 350 and RX 450h airbags are supplied by Japanese company Gosei.
With the increasing number of vehicles with faulty airbags, IB Times noted that this issue with the said vehicles is not related to Takata airbags' "ongoing scandal" that has affected over 30 million vehicles from various car manufacturers in the US.
In a recent statement released by Takata, another death has been reported in relation to its defective airbags. Reportedly, airbags explode and shoot shrapnel into passengers in some cases.
Toyota also stated that owners of Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h 2016 models will be notified by first class mail with regard to the recall starting March. Reportedly, Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace airbags if necessary.
The Japanese automaker also urged owners to check via Toyota's recall site whether their vehicles are affected by entering their vehicle identification number or VIN. They can also visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website for safety recall through individual identification number.
According to Auto Evolution, Toyota didn't confirm a precise number of alleged affected vehicles, but estimated it with "just over 5,000."
Amidst Toyota's recall issue this 2016, the company retained its spot as the top selling automaker. They have sold over 10.151 million vehicles in 2015. Trailing behind is Volkswagen AG with 9.93 million.
Meanwhile, General Motors, which has been the top-selling automaker for more than seven decades until being surpassed by Toyota in 2008, settled at the third spot with 9.8 million vehicles sold, York Dispatch reported.