Toyota Rav4 and Highlander Recall

Toyota Rav4 and Highlander Recall for Faulty Airbag Sensors

Toyota Recalls 308,000 automobiles

Toyota has issued a recall for two sport utility vehicle models for faulty airbag sensors. Toyota has stated the recall covers around 214,000 RAV4s from 2007-8 and 94,000 Highlander and Highlander hybrids from 2008, totaling around 308,000 vehicles.

Reason for Recall

The curtain-shield airbags can deploy without a crash, and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has eight consumer complaints from owners reporting airbag deployments. Five of the complaints were filed last year. In one complaint, a consumer vehicle owner reported that after turning on the ignition the side air bags on both sides deployed.

Toyota has allegedly known about this issue for three years. Toyota said it learned of the problem in 2007 and found out it was caused by a short circuit in two sensors. Toyota said it changed the sensor design in January 2008, but the company continued to receive reports of deployments, including some that caused minor injuries. Toyota did not consider a recall because for the air curtains to deploy without a crash required two short circuits to happen nearly simultaneously.

In March, following a consumer report who received a minor injury because of the air bag issue, the company ultimately issued the recall.

Many companies put products on the market before conducting proper safety testing. A recent case of improper product testing is the DePuy hip implant recall . DePuy Orthopedics, Inc. marketed defective hip implants, and now many patients are suffering because of DePuy's negligence. Our firm currently represents clients nationwide who have suffered the consequences of this defective hip implant .

Keep updated on the latest product recalls through our blog. Recent product recalls include over the counter medicines , hip implants , and Ford truck recalls .

If you or a loved one has suffered due to taking these recalled products, the product recall attorneys at Kennedy Hodges may be able to help. We are located in Houston, Texas, but our firm maintains a national practice. Our board certified product recall attorneys can give you a free online evaluation of your potential claim.