Issuing a safety recall is probably becoming a worldwide trend in the auto industry but this particular media release sent by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd recently caught our attention. Well, read on if you want to find out why…
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) had just announced a global recall campaign for certain Toyota and Lexus models for rectification of an airbag system issue. The recall is for models which are equipped with side Curtain Shield Airbags (CSA).
Due to improper programming of the airbag system in the Airbag Sensor Assembly (airbag control module), the CSAs situated on either side of the cabin may deploy and the seatbelt pre-tensioners activated under some conditions while the vehicle is stationary. Unexpected activation of the CSAs could increase the risk of minor injury to the occupant/occupants, not to mention scare the heck out of you.
In light of this issue, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has been informed by TMC that no Toyota vehicles sold in Malaysia are affected by the recall campaign because they are not fitted with CSAs. Other Lexus models sold by the company are not affected by this recall as well.
However, TMC has confirmed that 1 unit of Lexus sold in Malaysia is affected by this recall – the smallest recall we’ve received to date! It’s the Lexus LX470 of which a grand total of ONE was sold here to a Malaysian buyer.
TMC is currently preparing the necessary remedial parts which will be shipped to authorised distributors worldwide. The owner of this vehicle will be contacted directly on the matter by Lexus Malaysia, if they haven’t already, and the parts will soon be available. Quite an honour we think, being the only one in the country affected in a global recall! Bragging rights for sure.
Toyota and Lexus owners in Malaysia who wish to find more information on this matter can call the Toyota free-phone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
