Johannesburg, 27 October 2025 – In a renewed effort to safeguard South African drivers and passengers, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has launched an enhanced Takata Airbag Recall initiative titled “Don’t Risk it, Fix it.” While not a new recall, this revitalised campaign is designed to reach vehicle owners who have yet to respond to previous safety notices issued since 2015.
The Takata airbag recall is recognised as the largest automotive safety recall in history, affecting multiple manufacturers across the globe. In South Africa, Toyota, Lexus, and Hino vehicles from various model years remain part of the campaign, including:
- Toyota: Corolla (2002–2017), RAV4 (2003–2005), Fortuner (2005–2015), Hilux (2004–2015), Yaris (2005–2017), Avensis (2006–2008), Auris (2007–2013), RunX (2002–2007)
- Lexus: IS (2006–2012), SC (2008), RX (2016)
- Hino: 300 Series (2011–2017)
Despite previous outreach efforts, 39% of affected vehicles in South Africa remain unrepaired, posing a significant safety risk. The “Don’t Risk it, Fix it” campaign seeks to re-engage these owners through updated communications, simplified repair scheduling, and community-focused awareness initiatives.
A Call to Action from the Top
Commenting on the campaign, Andrew Kirby, CEO and President of Toyota South Africa Motors, stated:
“We are calling on all communities to Don’t Risk It, Fix It. This is not a new recall, it is an enhanced campaign to ensure that every affected vehicle is accounted for and repaired. Our goal is to remove any barriers and make it as easy as possible for owners to get their vehicles fixed – at no cost to them.”
Key Features of the “Don’t Risk it, Fix it” Campaign:
- Reissued notifications: Targeted reminders to owners of unrepaired vehicles.
- Free inspections and repairs: Conducted at Toyota’s nationwide Dealership Network and service centres for convenient access.
- Community-based awareness events: Engaging local communities directly.
- Multilingual outreach: Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all South African communities.
Easy Ways to Check Your Vehicle:
Toyota, Lexus, and Hino customers can quickly confirm if their vehicle is affected using the following resources:
- Toyota Call Centre: 0800 139 111 (VIN required)
- Brand websites:
- Toyota: toyota.co.za/takatarecall
- Lexus: lexus.co.za/takatarecall
- Hino: hino.co.za/takatarecall
- Brand apps: MyToyota, MyLexus, and Hino-Connect for timely notifications
Safety and Peace of Mind at the Core
Toyota’s renewed focus on this campaign underscores its ongoing commitment to manufacturing safe, reliable vehicles. Kirby added:
“We will do everything in our power to safeguard the safety of our customers and other road users alike. I encourage all our customers to heed this proactive, safety-critical measure with urgency, and we ask for the support of all stakeholders to help us reach our 100% target.”
With “Don’t Risk it, Fix it,” Toyota South Africa continues to prioritise the safety of its customers, reinforcing peace of mind for drivers and passengers across the country.
