NHTSA recalls several Toyota models over improper airbag calibration

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall for a select number of Toyota models produced between 2009 and 2013. The recall is for Toyotas sold by Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC.

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The recall is for possible airbag calibration faults for models equipped with interior accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters, and headrest DVD systems. The resulting issue is that some of these Toyotas may not be programmed properly for the airbags to function properly, according to what the car is equipped with.

That said, front passenger occupant airbags may not deploy or may deploy improperly. Roughly 3,235 have been listed to be affected. Should you express concern, hotlines have been setup for customers.

Check out the press release and all of the inquiry information after the jump.

Report Receipt Date: JAN 16, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V014000

Toyota Products Associated with this Recall:
– 2009-2010 AVALON, FJ CRUISER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID
– 2009-2012 4RUNNER, CAMRY, CAMRY HYBRID, PRIUS, RAV4, TACOMA
– 2009-2013 HIGHLANDER, VENZA
– 2010-2012 SEQUOIA
– 2010-2013 COROLLA, SIENNA, TUNDRA
– 2012 PRIUS V

Component(s): AIR BAGS , SEATS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3,235
Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

SUMMARY:
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger’s size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

REMEDY:
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

– By: Chris Chin