Toyota to Install Non-Takata Airbag Parts in 65,000 Vehicles
Toyota dealers are preparing for a second recall of 65,000 Corollas, Sequoias, Tundras, and Lexus SCs fitted with replacement Takata airbag inflators that will themselves be replaced by third-party suppliers.

About 65,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles will undergo a second airbag inflator or assembly replacement starting in January, this time with non-Takata parts.
Photo by Alexauto321 via Wikimedia
PLANO, Texas — Toyota is conducting a safety recall involving certain 2003–’05 Toyota Corollas, 2002–’05 Toyota Sequoias, 2003–’05 Toyota Tundras, and 2002–’05 Lexus SCs sold in the U.S. Approximately 65,000 vehicles are involved in the recall, each of which was subject to previous recalls in which front passenger airbag inflators were replaced with new, Takata-produced, non-desiccated airbag inflators.
Toyota dealers will be tasked with replacing the front passenger airbag inflator or airbag assembly with an improved one produced by non-Takata suppliers. Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified starting in early January.
The factory learned a safety defect may arise in Takata’s replacement inflators due to propellant degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity and high temperature cycling. Activation of an inflator with degraded propellant may result in an airbag inflator rupture, which could cause sharp metal fragments to pass through the airbag and spray directly at the driver and passengers.
“Toyota’s and other automakers’ outreach to involved owners of vehicles equipped with Takata airbags is designed to help resolve this issue as quickly, conveniently, and safely as possible,” a company statement read, in part.
The Takata airbag recall is among the largest in automotive industry history, including as many as 70 million units built by 19 automakers.
More Fixed Ops

Extreme Temps Hinder EV Efficiency
American consumers might be happy to know that their preferred hybrids are slightly less impacted by extreme temperatures than fully electric vehicles, according to a new study.
Read More →
Ban on Air Bag Inflators by Chinese Maker Proposed
NHTSA blames 10 deaths and two serious injuries on what its investigators believe were illegally imported air bag inflators. It’s taking public comments before deciding whether to ban them outright.
Read More →
Fix It Forward Program Helps Man Regain Mobility
Albuquerque consumer who suffered a life-changing injury regains the use of his vehicle after Fiesta Volkswagen's service team shared his story with DOWC Cares.
Read More →
ASE Connects Partners With Worldpac to Build Technician Numbers
The collaboration is intended to help auto dealerships, automakers and after-market shops further develop the technician pipeline.
Read More →
Not as Tickled With Tires
U.S. consumers are finding less satisfaction with the rubber that meets their roads, though their loyalty to tire brands has lately inched up.
Read More →
Auto Recalls Sank Last Year
2025 Sedgwick data indicate that the number of vehicles affected fell to its lowest point in more than a decade.
Read More →
ASE Winter Registration Now Open
The deadline to register for the industry standard certification testing is March 31.
Read More →
U.S. Drivers Overdue for Major Services
Data shows dealers have ample opportunity ahead of the holiday travel season.
Read More →
Auto Dealers Losing Service Customers
Study finds that though overall service drive revenue is up, loyalty is eroding
Read More →
Jeeps Can Catch Fire
Hundreds of thousands recalled, some for second time, to address battery flaw
Read More →