Toyota Recalling More than 300,000 RAV4 and Highlander

Toyota’s U.S. division announced a voluntary recall involving certain 2007 through 2008 model year RAV4 and certain 2008 Highlander and Highlander HV SUVs sold in the States over potentially faulty air bag sensors. The Japanese company said approximately 214,000 RAV4s and 94,000 Highlanders and Highlander HVs are covered by the recall that does affect any other Toyota or Lexus models in North America.
The automaker said that the affected SUV models feature a roll sensing curtain shield airbag system that incorporates two sensors, which are designed to detect vehicle roll angle. Toyota said that if one of the two sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light will illuminate and the roll detection system will be suspended, but the airbag will remain available in the event of a side collision.
However, if both sensors fail nearly in chorus after initial airbag system check, the seat belt pretensioner and the curtain shield airbag could be inadvertently activated, according to Toyota.
Toyota said it will begin notifying owners of the involved vehicles through mail in May 2011.
The Japanese carmaker added that the RAV4 and Highlander vehicles sold in other markets in the world are not subject to this recall as they are not equipped with the roll sensing curtain shield airbag system.

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