Japanese car maker Toyota had announced on April 11 that it would be recalling 17.3 lakh units of its flagship Corolla sedan from across the world, in order to change faulty airbags. This would also include a certain lot that was assembled in India. The cars in the domestic market were manufactured between January and June of the year 2003.
In India, Toyota is present as Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), where a joint venture has been formed with the Kirloskar Group. Commenting on the situation, a spokesperson from Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “In line with the recall announced by Toyota Motor Corporation globally, Toyota Kirloskar Motor through its authorised dealers will contact the affected vehicle owners.” He further added, “ The Corolla models, which are included in this recall, were assembled in India in 2003 between January and June only.” Explaining about the problem, he said that front passenger bags could have been assembled using inappropriately made inflator propellant wafers. He was quoted as saying, “Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash.”
However, no complaint has been received by the company with regards to this issue. The problem in the faulty vehicles would be rectified free of cost. The spokesperson also does not have any figures for the number of vehicles that would be recalled from India.
Internationally, the vehicles being recalled by Toyota Motor Corporation include Corolla, Corolla Fielder, Camry, Avensis, Tundra, Yaris and Vios, along with some other models. Further, Honda and Nissan are also making a global recall to fix airbags. However, this issue will not affect their Indian vehicles. When asked to comment on the same, a Nissan India spokesperson said, “No, none of the models sold or manufactured in India are part of this lot.”
Car companies must make sure that technical issues are sorted out as early as possible. Even if there are faulty parts, it is a good sign that car companies are aware of the same and taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of customers.
