Johannesburg, South Africa – October 2025
In a renewed commitment to public safety and customer care, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has launched an enhanced version of its long-standing Takata Airbag Recall initiative—aptly named “Don’t Risk it, Fix it.”
This is not a new recall, but a revitalised campaign designed to reach vehicle owners who have not yet responded to Toyota’s previous safety notices since the original recall began in 2015. Despite years of nationwide communication and outreach, 39% of affected vehicles remain unrepaired, posing a serious risk to drivers and passengers alike.
The world’s largest automotive safety recall
The Takata airbag recall remains the largest safety recall in automotive history, affecting multiple manufacturers globally. Faulty airbag inflators can deploy with excessive force, potentially causing severe injury or even death.
The “Don’t Risk it, Fix it” campaign focuses on replacing defective airbag inflators in the following Toyota, Lexus, and Hino models:
- 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)
A renewed call to action
Commenting on the campaign, Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors, emphasised the urgency and importance of the initiative:
“We are calling on all communities to Don’t Risk It, Fix It. This is not a new recall—it’s an enhanced campaign to ensure that every affected vehicle is accounted for and repaired. Our goal is to remove any existing barriers and make it as easy as possible for owners to get their vehicles fixed—at no cost to them.”
What’s new in the enhanced campaign
Toyota’s strengthened approach introduces updated communication tools, community engagement, and customer support mechanisms to ensure no vehicle is left unrepaired.
Key features of “Don’t Risk it, Fix it”:
- Reissued notifications to owners of vehicles that remain unrepaired.
- Free safety inspections and repairs at any Toyota, Lexus, or Hino dealership or authorised service centre nationwide.
- Community-based events to raise awareness and simplify the repair process.
- Multilingual outreach, ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness across South Africa’s diverse communities.
Simple ways to check if your vehicle is affected
Owners can quickly confirm whether their vehicle is affected through several free-to-use channels:
- Toyota Call Centre: 0800 139 111 (have your VIN number ready).
- Brand websites:
- Toyota – toyota.co.za/takatarecall
- Lexus – lexus.co.za/takatarecall
- Hino – hino.co.za/takatarecall
- Brand apps: MyToyota, MyLexus, and Hino-Connect, which deliver prompt notifications and critical safety updates directly to users.
A pledge to protect every driver
The campaign reaffirms Toyota’s long-standing dedication to safety, reliability, and customer trust.
“Toyota’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing safe and reliable vehicles remains a key priority,” concluded Kirby.
“We will do everything in our power to safeguard our customers and all road users. I urge every owner to act with urgency and help us achieve our goal of repairing 100% of affected vehicles.”
Don’t Risk it. Fix it.
Through this revitalised campaign, Toyota South Africa Motors continues to stand by its promise—to protect every driver, every passenger, and every journey.
Owners are encouraged to check their vehicles today and schedule a free airbag replacement. Because when it comes to safety, there’s no room for delay.
