Toyota and GM recall nearly 1.3 million vehicles over airbag issues

Toyota is recalling certain RAV4, Yaris, Highlander, Tacoma, Corolla, and Matrix models in the U.S. market, part of a larger global recall campaign, for an issue that could prevent the airbag from deploying in the event of an accident. General Motors is recalling Pontiac Vibe vehicles for the same problem; the Vibe is mechanically similar to the Matrix because the two shared a platform and were built at the same plant.

The steering column assembly in these vehicles contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module that's located in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a flexible flat cable. Because of the shape and location of the cable's retainer, the cable could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned. That damage could in turn break the connection to the driver's airbag module, located in the steering wheel, and the airbag could be deactivated. This poses a risk of injury to the driver in crashes where the airbag would normally deploy.

The affected vehicles include particular Toyota RAV4 CUVs made between 2006 and 2008, certain Yaris sedans and hatches made between 2006 and 2010, Highlander SUVs made between 2008 and 2010, and Tacoma trucks made between 2009 and 2010. In addition, the recall includes Toyota Corolla and Matrix, as well as Pontiac Vibe models made between 2009 and 2010.

Toyota and General Motors are in the process of notifying owners of affected vehicles. Toyota owners should expect to receive an interim notification letter in late April, and another letter will be sent when the remedy parts are available. General Motors has not mentioned yet when it will start notifying Pontiac Vibe owners of this recall.

The fix will be implemented at the dealer level, and it will consist of the replacement of the spiral-cable assembly. If you own a Toyota vehicle from model years cited above, you can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 about this recall. Owners of the Pontiac Vibe can contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.

By Jay Ramey