By John Q. Hosedrinker As an owner of a 2003 Toyota Corolla, the recent news of Toyota warning 50,000 US vehicle owners to stop driving and get immediate repairs has caught my attention. It seems like every time there’s a recall on airbag inflators, it’s always Takata. In fact, Takata has recalled over 100 million airbags globally, making it the largest automobile safety recall in history. It makes me wonder, what was Takata doing in the 2000s to mess up so badly?
The affected cars in this particular recall are 20 years old, including the 2003-2004 model year Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and 2004-2005 RAV4s with Takata airbag inflators. But even though these vehicles are older, it doesn’t mean we should overlook the seriousness of the issue. After all, more than 30 deaths worldwide, including 26 in the US, have been linked to Takata airbag inflators. These inflators have the potential to explode, unleashing metal shrapnel inside cars and trucks. It’s like driving with a grenade in the steering wheel right in front of your face.
Personally, I have experienced the frustration of dealing with recalls. My GM dealer, for instance, claims that they don’t have the parts or repair process in place to replace my airbag inflator that is supposed to be recalled for the same reason. It’s disheartening to see that they apparently don’t care if their drivers die. On the other hand, Toyota has taken swift action and issued a “Do Not Drive” advisory. They have even started scheduling mobile repairs for Takata inflators, showing their commitment to prioritizing driver safety.
Recalls are serious matters that should never be taken lightly. I understand that for some people, getting their airbags fixed might not be as easy as it seems. One individual mentioned how they owned an ’03 Outback and received countless postcards in the mail urging them to take it to the nearest dealership for replacement. However, not everyone has the means to do so. If I had the money to take time off work, travel to a dealership 30 miles away, and be without a car for some time, I probably wouldn’t be driving a beat-up old car that I bought for a mere $3000.
For those of us who prioritize keeping the lights on over fixing airbags, it’s important to acknowledge the risks we take. Yes, it can be a deadly situation in a wreck, but sometimes we have to make difficult choices. However, it’s reassuring to know that efforts have been made to reach out to owners and provide them with the necessary information and support to get their airbags repaired.
Unfortunately, recalls have become all too common in the automotive industry. It’s alarming to see the increase in recalls in recent years. The sheer volume of recalls can make it challenging for people to take them seriously. It would be beneficial to have a rating system or other terminology that categorizes the severity of recalls. Lump all recalls together and people might become desensitized to the potential dangers lurking in their vehicles.
Overall, the recent Toyota airbag recall serves as a reminder that safety should always be a top priority, regardless of the age or condition of our vehicles. It’s time for car manufacturers to take responsibility for the quality of their products and ensure that drivers are not putting their lives at risk. Let’s hope that this recall prompts other manufacturers to address any potential safety issues they may have, ensuring that we can all feel confident and secure on the road.