Another Toyota Recall Affecting Texas Drivers (Seatbelts)
Toyota has another recall affecting Houston drivers – this time for seatbelts.
On February 18, 2016, Toyota announced another recall to add to the millions of vehicles on the market today already being recalled for other items, most notably for Takata airbags. This particular recall for Toyota is because of the possibility of the seatbelts being cut during an accident and completely failing to work as they should to protect the passenger using it. This issue is affecting many Texas drivers in the Houston area, especially for certain models.
Toyota Seatbelt Recall
Almost 2.9 million vehicles worldwide are being recalled for this newest Toyota vehicle issue. The vehicles affected are the RAV4 (model years 2005-2014), the RAV4 Electric (2012-2014) and the Vanguard (2005-2016). Of those 2.9 million vehicles, 1.1 million are here in the United States.
USA Today reported that the issue prompting the recall is as follows:
“Toyota says it’s possible the belts in both second-row window seats could come in contact with a metal seat cushion frame in a severe frontal crash.
If that happens, the belts could be cut and would not restrain passengers. The company says it will add plastic covers to the metal frame at no cost to customers.”
While this is a very large recall, it is only little more than half the total number of vehicles that were recalled a number of years ago because of the safety issues with their floor mats.
Second Toyota Recall in February
Earlier in February, Toyota announced another recall for 320,000 vehicles because of airbag issues. This airbag recall has nothing to do with the Takata airbag recall though, and according to CNBC is due to:
“Due to improper programming of the air bag control modules, it is possible under certain conditions for the air bags and seat belt pretensioners to activate shortly after start-up when it is not necessary, the company said Tuesday. Unexpected activation of the air bags could injure occupants, Toyota said.”
Both of these recalls are important and it is vital that you take your vehicle into your Toyota dealership to have the necessary repairs done once you receive your letter, before you are seriously injured or worse.
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If you have suffered a serious injury or are grieving the loss of a loved one as a result of a car accident whether or not it was affected by a Toyota recall, contact The Callahan Law Firm today for a free case evaluation and let’s discuss your options.
Michael S Callahan is an attorney and founder of The Callahan Law Firm. He focuses his practice on representing individuals and families in personal injury cases involving motor vehicle and truck accidents, workplace accidents and defective products. With over 25 years of experience, he is dedicated to fighting on behalf of people whose lives have been forever altered by the negligence and carelessness of corporations and individuals. Originally trained as a mechanical engineer, Michael has been practicing law and fighting for justice for those who need it most since 1994. He is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a member of various esteemed legal associations. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending quality time with his family, outdoor activities, and continually striving to improve as a trial lawyer and human being.
