Toyota Motor Co. announced on Wednesday that it is recalling around 1 million vehicles due to a defect that could potentially cause airbags not to deploy, increasing the risk of injury. The recall applies to various Toyota and Lexus models with model years ranging from 2020 to 2022.

The affected Toyota models include Avalons, Camrys, Highlanders, RAV4s, Siennas, and Corollas, as well as certain hybrid versions of these vehicles. Meanwhile, the Lexus models covered in the recall include the ES250 sedan and the RX350 SUV, among others.

The root cause of this recall is a manufacturing issue with the sensors located in the front passenger seat of the affected vehicles. These sensors may have been produced improperly and can potentially short circuit. As a result, the airbag system may fail to determine the occupant's accurate weight and may not deploy during certain types of crashes.

To address this safety concern, Toyota and Lexus dealerships will be conducting inspections and replacing the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors, if necessary. Importantly, these replacements will be performed at no cost to the vehicle owners. Customers will be notified of the recall by mid-February 2024.

In the meantime, Toyota owners who suspect that their vehicles may be included in the recall are encouraged to contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 for more information, while Lexus owners can call 1-800-255-3987. These contact numbers will provide owners with the necessary details regarding the recall and next steps to ensure their vehicles are safe.

Ensuring the safety of their customers is a top priority for Toyota, and taking immediate action to address potential defects is crucial. By conducting this recall, Toyota aims to prevent any potential accidents or injuries resulting from the airbag system's failure to deploy correctly. Vehicle owners are advised to act promptly and avail themselves of the necessary repairs to guarantee the safety of themselves and their passengers.

As this recall progresses, Toyota will work closely with its affected customers to resolve the airbag defect efficiently and effectively. The company remains committed to maintaining the highest levels of safety and reliability in its vehicles, and this recall exemplifies Toyota's dedication to addressing any potential safety issues promptly.