This article was originally published on 7News and has been republished here with permission.
A nationwide recall has been issued for more than 80,000 Toyota cars.
The warning was put out for defected airbags in the Avensis, Corolla and Yaris models, which can cause serious injury or death.
The metal inflator propellant in the airbags can degrade over time from a combination of high temperatures and humidity.
So, if a car with an old inflator is involved in a crash, triggering the airbag, the inflator may explode or rupture under too much internal pressure.
The rupture can then cause metal fragments to propel through the airbag cushion towards the occupants sitting in the car.
It has the possibility to cause serious injury or death.
All the cars recalled include:
- Toyota Avensis ACM20 model years 2001-2003
- Toyota Corolla ZZE122 model years 2001-2007
- Toyota Corolla ZZE123 model years 2003-2005
- Toyota Yaris Sedan NCP93 model years 2006-2011
Anyone with a matching vehicle is advised to contact their local Toyota dealership or the manufacturer’s head office.