Toyota Vehicles Recalled for Defective Airbags

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. is recalling about 16,880 Avalon cars (2016 model) and 41,630 Camry sedans (2016 model) because some airbags may not deploy properly in the event of a crash. According to news reports, the affected airbags are activated by a passenger’s weight through an occupant-classification system or OCS. There is a possibility that some vehicles may not have received proper OCS calibration during the vehicle manufacture process.

Details of the Recall

With improper calibration, under some conditions, the front-passenger airbags and front- passenger knee airbag may not deploy as designed in a crash, increasing the risk of injuries to the front-seat passenger. Edmunds.com asked Toyota officials if any injuries or fatalities have been reported involving the recalled vehicles. A spokeswoman replied that they have “found many different sources of information with varying degrees of reliability” and that “it is difficult to know the existence or exact number of times this condition has occurred.

The automaker has also said it is not going to provide any specifics about accidents or injuries at this time. When the recall begins next month, Toyota dealers will re-calibrate the OCS system. Anyone with questions can call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Owners of these vehicles are advised to make a service appointment with their dealers once they get the official recall notice in the mail.

When Airbags Fail to Deploy

Over the last year, we’ve heard quite a bit about the Takata airbag recalls which involve faulty airbag inflators. However, with this recall, there is the danger of the airbags not deploying at all in the event of a car accident. This could result in devastating injuries.

We’ve come to depend on airbags to provide us with that extra layer of cushion. When we don’t have airbags to protect us in high-speed or rollover collisions, catastrophic injuries or even fatalities can occur. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a defective auto, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the automaker and/or manufacturer of the faulty airbag seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Families of deceased victims can seek compensation for damages as well by filing a wrongful death claim. In such cases, victims or their families would be well advised to retain the services of a renowned auto defect law firm, which has the knowledge, experience and resources to handle these types of cases successfully.