A Toyota distributor is recalling 3,235 cars in select states for airbag sensors that may malfunction, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Southeast Toyota Distributors of Deerfield Beach, Fla., one of several regional distributors that import and prep Toyotas, may not have calibrated the airbag weight sensors in the front passenger seats of certain 2009-2013 Toyota models. Only models sold in Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia are affected, and only those equipped with seat covers, seat heaters or headrest-mounted LCD screens. No Lexus or Scion models are affected.
In an accident, the passenger-side airbag may deploy improperly. The weight sensors determine whether to deploy the airbag if it detects the seat is empty or if a small child is sitting up front. Toyota itself is not issuing the recall; the distributor is responsible for installing factory accessories, such as rear DVD entertainment systems, on these vehicles. The distributor said the problem was limited to two employees who were not using the required calibration tools.
The vehicles are as follows:
2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius and RAV4
2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser and Highlander Hybrid
2010-2013 Corolla, Sienna and Tundra
2009-2013 Highlander and Venza
2012 Prius V
2010-2012 Sequoia
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