Don't Risk It, Fix It: Toyota launches urgent airbag repair drive in South Africa

Here at AutoTrader South Africa, we're amplifying a critical safety message from Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM). In an intensified commitment to public safety and customer care, TSAM has launched the enhanced "Don't Risk It, Fix It" campaign, a vital initiative to address the lingering and dangerous issue of defective Takata airbag inflators.

A revitalised push for the largest recall in history

This initiative is not a new recall, but a powerful, revitalised push to engage vehicle owners who have not yet responded to safety notices dating back to 2015. Despite extensive outreach efforts over the years, a staggering 39% of the affected vehicles in South Africa remain unrepaired, posing a significant, unnecessary risk to drivers and passengers.

The Takata airbag recall remains the largest automotive safety recall in history, affecting multiple manufacturers globally. Defective inflators can rupture upon deployment, launching metal fragments at vehicle occupants, a risk that can lead to serious injury or even death.

Toyota's "Don't Risk It, Fix It" campaign aims for a 100% fix rate by urgently replacing all defective airbag inflators across the affected Toyota, Lexus, and Hino range.

Scan this to see if your Toyota is affected

Is Your Vehicle Affected? Check the Models

The campaign focuses on vehicles manufactured between 2002 and 2017. Owners of the following models are strongly urged to check their VIN immediately:

Brand	Model	Affected Years
Toyota	Corolla	2002–2017
Toyota	Fortuner	2005–2015
Toyota	Hilux	2004–2015
Toyota	Yaris	2005–2017
Toyota	RAV4	2003–2005
Toyota	Avensis	2006–2008
Toyota	Auris	2007–2013
Toyota	RunX	2002–2007
Lexus	IS	2006–2012
Lexus	SC	2008
Lexus	RX	2016
Hino	300 Series	2011–2017

Here's the Hino recall QR code

Removing Barriers: Free Repairs and Community Outreach

Toyota South Africa Motors is committed to removing any obstacles that prevent owners from completing the necessary, life-saving repair.

Andrew Kirby, CEO and President of Toyota South Africa Motors, commented on the gravity of the situation:

"We are calling on all communities to Don’t Risk It, Fix It. This not a new recall, it is an enhanced campaign to ensure that every affected vehicle is accounted for and repaired. Our goal is to remove any existing barriers to continuous action and to make it as easy as possible for owners to get their vehicles fixed - at no cost to them."

Key features of the campaign designed to reach the remaining 39% include:

• Reissuing notifications to owners of unrepaired vehicles.

• Free safety inspections and repairs in partnership with Toyota’s Dealership Network.

• Community-based events and multilingual outreach to ensure accessibility across all communities.

Own a Lexus? Check out this code to see if your vehicle is affected

Next Step: Check Your VIN Now

Toyota’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing safe and reliable vehicles means they are doing everything possible to safeguard customer safety. This critical safety measure is free of charge to all affected customers.

Do not delay. Do not risk it. Fix it.

To check if your vehicle is affected, you can use these free-to-use tools:

• Toyota Call Centre: Have your VIN ready and call 0800 139 111.

• Brand Websites (VIN Check):

  • Toyota: toyota.co.za/takatarecall

  • Lexus: lexus.co.za/takatarecall

  • Hino: hino.co.za/takatarecall

• Brand Apps: Download the MyToyota, My Lexus, or Hino-Connect apps for prompt notifications.

We strongly encourage all our readers to heed this proactive safety call as soon as possible. By taking a few minutes to check your vehicle, you can secure your peace of mind and ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.