Toyota Corolla, Matrix, Sequoia, Tundra; Lexus SC; Pontiac Vibe Recalled To Replace Takata Airbags

The number of vehicles affected by faulty Takata-brand airbags has just grown by 247,000, thanks to a new recall from Toyota. The recall affects five Toyota and Lexus models, and even one from Pontiac.

Over the past few years, automakers around the globe have recalled more than 12 million vehicles manufactured during the early 2000s due to Takata's faulty airbags. Tests show that the propellant used in the devices is too strong, which can cause the bags to rip during deployment. In numerous cases, those rips have been accompanied by shrapnel from the airbag systems, which has shot through the passenger cabin. At least three deaths have been attributed to the devices in the U.S. alone. 

According to a bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this new recall affects the following models:

• 2002-2005 Lexus SC

• 2003-2005 Pontiac Vibe *

• 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla

• 2003-2005 Toyota Matrix

• 2002-2005 Toyota Sequoia

• 2003-2005 Toyota Tundra

However, not every vehicle from those model-years is affected. The airbag problem appears most dangerous in regions with high humidity. As a result, NHTSA states that the recall affects "vehicles that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in high absolute humidity areas of southern Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa."