Toyota reinforces Easter road safety campaign, urges customers to address outstanding airbag recalls

Car manufacturer’s revitalised initiative aims to reach out to vehicle owners who haven’t responded to previous safety concerns, which includes the Takata airbag recall

In a continued commitment to public safety and customer care, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has launched an enhanced Takata Airbag Recall campaign called Don’t Risk it, Fix it. This is not a new recall campaign, but a revitalised initiative to reach vehicle owners who have not yet responded to previous safety notices since 2015.

The Takata airbag recall remains the largest automotive safety recall in history, affecting multiple manufacturers globally. The Don’t Risk it, Fix it campaign aims to replace all defective airbag inflators from the following Toyota, Lexus and Hino models:

• 2002-2017: Corolla

• 2003-2005: RAV4

• 2005-2015: Fortuner

• 2004-2015: Hilux

• 2005-2017: Yaris

• 2006-2008: Toyota Avensis

• 2007-2013: Auris

• 2002-2007: Runx

• 2006-2012: Lexus IS

• 2008: Lexus SC

• 2016: Lexus RX

• 2011-2017: Hino 300 Series

Despite extensive outreach, 39% of the affected vehicles remain unrepaired, posing a significant risk to South African drivers and passengers alike. The Don’t Risk it, Fix it campaign aims to re-engage these vehicle owners through updated communications, simplified repair scheduling, and enhanced community outreach.

Commenting on the Don’t Risk it, Fix it campaign, Andrew Kirby, CEO and President of Toyota South Africa Motors emphasised, “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.”

The Don’t Risk it, Fix it campaign aims to re-engage these vehicle owners through updated communications, simplified repair scheduling, and enhanced community outreach.

Key features of the Don’t Risk it, Fix it campaign:

1. Reissuing notifications to owners of unrepaired vehicles.

2. Free safety inspections and repairs in partnership with Toyota’s Dealership Network and service centers for convenient repair access.

3. Community-based events to raise awareness.

4. Multilingual outreach to ensure inclusiveness and accessibility across all communities.

In addition to the above, Toyota, Lexus and Hino customers can also check whether their vehicles are affected by using these free-to-use tools:

• Toyota Call Centre: customers can contact the Toyota Call Centre on 0800 139 111. They should have their VIN number on hand.

• Brand Websites: customers need to verify their VIN number on: Toyota: www.toyota.co.za/takatarecall

• Brand Apps: customers are encouraged to download brand apps: Mytoyota, My Lexus and Hino-connect, for prompt notifications on critical information in relation to their vehicles.

Toyota’s Don’t Risk it, Fix it campaign aims to continuously safeguard customers’ safety and reinforce peace of mind

Toyota’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing safe and reliable vehicles remains a key priority

whilst driving in their loved vehicles. “Toyota’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing safe and reliable vehicles remains a key priority.

To this effect we will do everything in our power to safeguard the safety of our customers and that of other road users alike. I encourage all our customers to heed the call for this proactive safety critical measure with urgency. Additionally, we ask for all stakeholder’s support to help us reach our 100% target,” concluded Kirby.

Edward Moleke Makwana

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has relaunched its Takata Airbag Recall campaign, urging motorists to fix defective airbags in affected vehicles before the Easter travel period.
The ongoing recall, first issued in 2015, targets Toyota, Lexus, and Hino models produced between 2002 and 2017, including popular cars like Corolla, Hilux, and Fortuner.
Approximately 39% of affected vehicles in South Africa remain unrepaired, posing safety risks to drivers and passengers.
The campaign includes free inspections and repairs, multilingual communications, community outreach, and easier access to recall status via call centers and mobile apps.
TSAM emphasizes the urgency of the recall to enhance road safety and customer care, aiming for all affected vehicles to be fixed promptly and at no cost.

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