Title: Toyota and General Motors Issue Urgent Warning on Exploding Takata Airbag Inflators
Date: [Insert Date]
Source: Courier Standard Enterprise
Toyota and General Motors have issued a vital safety warning to owners of specific older models, urging them to cease driving their vehicles immediately. The warning comes as a result of the risk posed by Takata airbag inflators, which have been found to explode and shoot sharp metal fragments upon deployment. Such a malfunction presents a potentially fatal danger to both drivers and passengers.
Affected by this warning are certain Toyota Corolla compact cars and Matrix hatchbacks from the 2003 and 2004 model years, as well as the RAV4 small SUVs from 2004 and 2005. Additionally, around 11,000 Pontiac Vibes from 2003 and 2004 are included in this urgent call to action.
In light of the safety concern, both car manufacturers are advising owners to refrain from driving their vehicles and instead contact a local dealer for assistance. Toyota and GM are offering various options to accommodate repairs, such as mobile repair services, towing, or even vehicle pickup and delivery.
Further information reveals that the recalled RAV4 models are equipped with Takata driver’s airbags, while the Corolla and Matrix models feature them on the passenger side. In an unsettling twist, the Corolla and Matrix vehicles are also currently subject to a separate recall due to an issue whereby the airbags may deploy without any crash.
The cause of these dangerous malfunctions lies with Takata’s use of volatile ammonium nitrate to inflate airbags during a collision. Over time, the chemical propellant can deteriorate, resulting in excessive force upon deployment. Consequently, the metal canister surrounding the airbag ruptures, projecting shrapnel throughout the vehicle.
It is important to note that there have been 26 reported deaths in the United States and 30 worldwide linked to Takata inflators. These alarming statistics have made the Takata airbag crisis the largest series of automobile recalls in U.S. history, with approximately 100 million inflators recalled globally.
In the face of such a widespread safety concern, Toyota and General Motors are taking these necessary precautions to protect their customers from potential harm. Both companies advise affected owners to take immediate action and ensure their vehicles are repaired promptly to prevent any tragic consequences.
For more information on this recall and how to proceed, owners are encouraged to contact their local dealer or visit the official Toyota and GM websites.
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