Rosstandart reported that Toyota Motor, the official representative of the manufacturer in the Russian market, issued a recall for 22,712 Toyota Avensis vehicles sold between April 2003 and May 2007 due to airbag issues. The recall notice appeared on an agency website and outlined the scope of the action.
According to the publication, certain airbags may contain a material that can lose density over time. This deterioration could compromise the integrity of the airbag, reducing its effectiveness in a crash. If an airbag deploys while the material has degraded, the gas generator housing may be damaged. In the worst scenario, components from the gas generator could be released into the passenger compartment, potentially causing serious injuries to the driver and passengers.
Earlier reports indicated that Rosstandart had begun withdrawing safety certificates for vehicle structures issued to foreign cars imported via parallel import channels when violations were found. This signals a broader move to tighten compliance standards and ensure that imported vehicles meet safety requirements before and after they reach the road.
The recall emphasizes the importance of ongoing safety monitoring for older vehicles and the need for manufacturers and importers to address potential defects promptly. Vehicle owners affected by the recall should follow official guidance from Rosstandart or Toyota for inspection, replacement parts where necessary, and certified service procedures to restore airbag reliability and overall vehicle safety.