Toyota recalls 5.8 million cars over airbag fault

Japanese auto giant Toyota Motor Corp on Wednesday said it was recalling a further 5.8 million cars sold across the globe over potentially faulty airbags made by components supplier Takata.

The company said in a statement in Tokyo, that the recalled cars included those used as replacement parts following a 2010 recall.

It said the recalled covered airbags installed in cars produced between May 2000 and November 2001, and April 2006 and December 2014.

Toyota’s latest recall includes the Corolla, one of the world’s best-selling models, and the Vitz or Yaris subcompact hatchback model.
It affects about 1.16 million vehicles sold in Japan, about 820,000 cars sold in China and around 1.47 million cars in the European market.

The recall extends to Central and South America, Africa, the Near and Middle East and Singapore, and also includes the Hilux pick-up truck and the Etios line of sedans and hatchbacks.

Global car manufacturers, including Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Ford have stated they will stop using Takata airbags containing ammonium nitrate in the future. The car parts manufacturer’s future is uncertain, as it seeks investment to help manage the huge costs it faces for compensation.

The air bag inflators in question use a chemical compound which can explode with excessive force after prolonged exposure to hot conditions, and have been linked to at least 16 deaths globally.

Global car manufacturers, including Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Ford have stated they will stop using Takata airbags containing ammonium nitrate in the future. The car parts manufacturer’s future is uncertain, as it seeks investment to help manage the huge costs it faces for compensation.

So far, authorities have recorded at least 16 deaths linked with Takata's faulty airbags, CNN money reported.