Toyota is recalling 1.7 million vehicles in North America to replace potentially deadly Takata front passenger air bag inflators, Bloomberg News reported. The move announced yesterday includes 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. and is part of the largest series of automotive recalls in the nation's history. Takata inflators can explode with too much force and hurl shrapnel into drivers and passengers. At least 23 people have been killed worldwide and hundreds have been injured. The recall covers Toyota models including the 2010 through 2016 4Runner, the 2010 through 2013 Corolla and Matrix, and the 2011 through 2014 Sienna. Also covered are Lexus models including the 2010 through 2012 ES 350, the 2010 through 2017 GX 460, the 2010 through 2015 IS 250C and 350C, the 2010 through 2013 IS 250 and 350 and the 2010 through 2014 IS-F. The 2010 through 2015 Scion XB also is included. Toyota's recall is part of a phased-in replacement of Takata inflators. Automakers are scheduled to replace 10 million starting this month. Ford and Honda have already announced recalls. The recalls forced Takata of Japan to seek bankruptcy protection and sell most of its assets to pay for the fixes.
