Toyota recalls over 72,000 vehicles after safety concerns over sensitive resin bumpers

Japanese car brand Toyota are set to be recalling a total of 72,847 vehicles after concerns that overly sensitive resin bumpers may pose a safety risk to users. The recalls affect the newer 2016 and 2017 Tundra models.

The safety defect lies within the resin made step bumpers and resin reinforced brackets on the corners of the vehicle. Any impact made to the resin bumpers may not always reveal visible damage, but if stepped on, it could break way entirely or in part; risking injury to the user.

After Toyota was made aware of the safety concerns, the company initiated a voluntary safety recall campaign. Upon finding the hazard in the resin bumpers, Toyota set out to notify owners of the recall in mid-February this year.

All recalled cars are to be offered a free of charge replacement

The resin made bumpers are to be replaced with steel made brackets. The rear bumper tread will also be changed. At the moment, the remedy parts are not yet available. Once they are, Toyota are set to send out another notification to drivers to have the recalled replacement applied to their vehicles.

As with any recall, this could damage the Japanese car makers’ reputation on the market. However, due to their swift reaction to remedy the situation, this may not make the headlines amongst the ongoing well-known motor atrocities right now.

The ongoing Group Action Claim against Volkswagen is a key example. After the giant car manufacturer were caught cheating in their official emissions testing, VW have so far paid billions out on various penalty fines, settlements, and lawsuits. With around 1.2 million affected cars in the U.K, VW have a lot to spend on this action. Lawyers like us are working hard on what will likely be the U.K.’s largest ever Group Action Claim as we help affected owners seek financial compensation against Volkswagen.

We believe that owners should not stand by whilst VW profits from years of deception and cheating.

The ongoing Takata action – another major automotive action

In the same industry, many well-known car makers are being forced to recall around 60 models of vehicles after it was revealed that their Takata made airbags were dangerously defective.

Takata executives have been indicted for conspiring to hide the fact that the cheaper substances used to make airbag inflators were volatile and susceptible to exploding in humid conditions. Around 16 deaths have been reported from the ruptured airbags where metal shards from the exploding canisters could shoot into the cabin and passengers.

As with any product defect, companies are to be held responsible for not carrying out adequate safety and quality controls to make sure the product was completely safe and fit for purpose. Any harm, injury or loss (including financial) caused as a result of a product defect can give the consumer a legal right to pursue action and seek financial compensation. If you have been harmed or suffered a loss because of a company’s negligence, get in touch with us to see how our expert lawyers can help.