Toyota Recalls 128,316 2002-2004 Camrys

DETROIT, July 26, 2004; Reuters reported that Toyota is recalling more than 128,000 Camry sedans in the United States because of a potential problem with their side curtain air bags.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the problem, stemming from improper factory assembly, could cause incomplete air bag deployment in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injuries or deaths.

The 128,316 Camrys affected are from the 2002-2004 model years, NHTSA said.

OFFICIAL NHTSA NOTICE

Make:  TOYOTA  
Model: CAMRY  
Year:  2002, 2003, 2004  
Recall Number:  04V346000  

Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG (CSA), DURING MANUFACTURING, THE CSA MAY HAVE BEEN TWISTED NEAR THE INFLATOR DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG.

Consequence:IF THE CSA IS TWISTED, THE GAS GENERATED BY THE INFLATOR MAY BE INADEQUATE FOR PROPER INFLATION OF THE AIR BAG. IN THE EVENT OF THE CRASH, INCOMPLETE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAGS AND REPLACE THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).