Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to public safety with the relaunch of its Takata Airbag Recall initiative under a revitalised banner – Don’t Risk it, Fix it.
While this is not a new recall, the campaign represents an intensified effort to locate and repair thousands of affected vehicles whose owners have not yet responded to previous safety notices dating back to 2015.
The Takata airbag recall remains the largest automotive safety recall in history, impacting numerous vehicle manufacturers across the globe. In South Africa, Toyota, Lexus and Hino models produced between 2002 and 2017 are affected. The Don’t Risk it, Fix it campaign aims to reach every remaining vehicle owner and ensure that the defective airbag inflators are replaced as soon as possible.
Affected models include:
- 2002–2017: Corolla
- 2003–2005: RAV4
- 2005–2015: Fortuner
- 2004–2015: Hilux
- 2005–2017: Yaris
- 2006–2008: Avensis
- 2007–2013: Auris
- 2002–2007: RunX
- 2006–2012: Lexus IS
- 2008: Lexus SC
- 2016: Lexus RX
- 2011–2017: Hino 300 Series
Despite extensive outreach efforts, around 39% of affected vehicles remain unrepaired, posing a serious and ongoing safety risk to South African motorists and their passengers.
Renewed effort to reach every owner
Toyota’s latest campaign takes a more proactive, community-driven approach to reconnect with customers who may not have acted on previous notifications.
Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors, emphasised the company’s renewed sense of urgency: “We are calling on all communities to Don’t Risk It, Fix It. This is not a new recall, but an enhanced campaign to ensure that every affected vehicle is accounted for and repaired. Our goal is to remove any existing barriers to continuous action and to make it as easy as possible for owners to get their vehicles fixed – at no cost to them.”
Key features of the Don’t Risk it, Fix it campaign
- Reissuing notifications to owners of unrepaired vehicles.
- Free safety inspections and repairs, carried out through Toyota’s extensive dealership and service network.
- Community-based awareness events to engage directly with vehicle owners.
- Multilingual outreach to ensure accessibility and inclusivity across all communities.
How to check if your vehicle is affected
Toyota, Lexus and Hino owners are urged to verify whether their vehicles are affected using one of the following tools:
- Toyota Call Centre: Call 0800 139 111 with your VIN number handy.
- Brand websites:
Toyota: toyota.co.za/takatarecall
Lexus: lexus.co.za/takatarecall
Hino: hino.co.za/takatarecall
- Mobile apps: Download the MyToyota, My Lexus and Hino-Connect apps for prompt notifications and recall updates.
Repairs and part replacements are completely free of charge and can be booked at any authorised dealer.
Putting safety first
Toyota says the Don’t Risk it, Fix it campaign underscores its long-standing commitment to customer safety, reliability, and peace of mind.
“Toyota’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing safe and reliable vehicles remains a key priority,” concluded Kirby. “To this effect, we will do everything in our power to safeguard the safety of our customers and that of other road users alike. I encourage all our customers to heed the call for this proactive safety-critical measure with urgency. Additionally, we ask for all stakeholders’ support to help us reach our 100% target.”
With more than a third of affected vehicles still awaiting repair, Toyota’s message is clear – don’t delay, act today. Ensuring your vehicle is safe could prevent a tragedy and protect those who matter most.
