On Wednesday, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. announced a safety recall involving certain 2012 model Toyota Avalon vehicles.
It’s estimated that 19,400 U.S. vehicles will be recalled due to a service part manufacturing error at a Toyota supplier. According to Automotive World, some vehicles may have had a front seat belt inner buckle replaced with one that does not correctly identify if the seat belt is buckled. This defect could affect how the airbag system determines appropriate airbag deployment in an accident, potentially increasing injuries for the occupant.
Of the 19,400 vehicles involved in the recall, only 97 may have had a front seat belt inner buckle replaced by a dealer or a non-Toyota service provider. Toyota plans to inspect all recalled vehicles’ front seat belt inner buckles and replace them, if necessary, free of charge.
While Toyota plans to notify all customers affected by the recall via first-class mail starting mid-September, information regarding Toyota automotive safety recalls can also be found online by visiting toyota.com/recall and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number. You can also find safety recall information regarding your vehicle by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) site at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
AIRBAG AND SEATBELT DEFECT LAWYERS
If you have questions or concerns regarding the recent Toyota Avalon recall, you can contact Toyota’s customer support. If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious accident involving a 2012 Toyota Avalon seatbelt or airbag defect, contact the injury attorneys at The Potts Law Firm to determine if you have a case against your vehicle manufacturer. The experienced auto defect lawyers at The Potts Law Firm believe in holding automobile manufacturers accountable for the safety of their vehicles.