A recall was issued for 766,000 Toyotas yesterday due to a problem with an airbag component made by the Tokyo-based Takata Corporation. More recalls can be expected soon, as other manufacturers using Takata parts look at their own vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation shortly after Toyota Motor Corp.’s announcement. The component in question is part of the passenger-side airbag that, when deployed, can damage the thermal system of the vehicle. In April 2013, Toyota issued a recall for 170,000 vehicles related to the same component. Over 6 million vehicles worldwide were affected by the two recalls. Takata was also involved in the largest recall in U.S. auto history, when automakers recalled 8.8 million vehicles due to safety concerns over a Takata-manufactured seatbelt.
