Transport Canada has issued a recall for several models of Toyota and Ford vehicles this week due to safety issues that could increase the risk of a crash.
The Toyota recall applies to 2023 models of the auto manufacturer’s Tacoma, Highlander, Corolla, and Corolla Cross vehicles, Transport Canada said in its advisory updated Feb. 5.
The most recent notice was connected to a recall issued Jan. 29 that warns of an issue that could prevent the driver’s airbag from activating upon impact.
“On certain vehicles, the steering wheel spiral cable assembly could disconnect,” the federal agency said. “If this happens, the airbag (SRS) warning lamp would turn on, and the driver-front airbag wouldn’t work in a crash. This may also cause the horn or other steering wheel-mounted controls not to work properly.”
The issue popped up after it was discovered the inspections completed by a Toyota dealer during the original recall may not have been correctly performed. The advisory said 31 cars were affected in the original recall.
Impacted owners will receive a notification by mail, urging them to bring their vehicle to a Toyota dealership for an assessment of the spiral cable assembly’s production date. A replacement will be carried out if necessary, the notice said.
Customers can also visit the Toyota Canada website to determine if their vehicle is subject to the recall.
Transport Canada also issued recall notices for Ford Bronco models spanning the years 2021 through 2024. The recall only impacts certain vehicles equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers.
The mounting flange between the external reservoirs and the rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail on affected vehicles, the Feb. 3 notice said. If this were to occur, the external reservoirs may detach from the vehicle.
“An external reservoir that detaches from the vehicle could create a hazard for other road users and increase the risk of a crash,” Transport Canada said.
Ford will notify all affected vehicle owners by mail.
There has been a notable rise in the number of safety recalls over the past 20 years, rising from 248 in 2002, to 710 in 2023, according to Transport Canada figures. A total of 111 separate companies issued safety recalls in 2023 impacting more than four million vehicles and vehicle equipment.
Recent government estimates indicate more than one in five vehicles on Canada’s roads today have outstanding safety recalls.
“Based on a total of 33.3 million registered vehicles in 2019, if one in five vehicles did not have the issue resolved, then approximately 6.6 million unsafe vehicles are operating on Canadian roads, endangering not only the occupants but also other road users,” Transport Canada said. “Unresolved safety issues affecting vehicles and vehicle equipment can lead to property damage, injury or even death.”
