(WWJ) Toyota is recalling about 3.4 million cars in the U.S. because the air bags may not inflate in a crash.
The recall covers certain 2011 through 2019 Corollas, the 2011 to 2013 Matrix, the 2012 through 2018 Avalon and the 2013 to 2018 Avalon Hybrid. Toyota says the air bag control computer may not be properly protected against electrical interference, which could cause incomplete or non-deployment. Also, it could impede the operation of seat-belt pretensioners, which are the locking mechanism that holds occupants in place during a crash.
Owners will be notified by mid-March.
But here's the hitch: WWJ's Sandra McNeill reported replacement parts are not available and may not be for a year.
Alternative suggestions include taking the car to the dealership and asking for the airbags to be made inactive until they can be replaced.
At least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured from malfunctioning airbags. Connected to this latest recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports it identified two frontal crashes, including one fatal "involving Toyota products where (electrical overstress) is suspected as the likely cause" of air bags not deploying. Both involved newer Corolla cars.