The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The statement required in the owner's manual that "...The on-off switch should only ben used when a member of a passenger risk group identified in the request form in appendix b......Is occupying the right front passenger seating position..." Is mis-stated. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss 208, "occupant crash protection."
The risk
If the air bag switch is "off," the seat occupant who is not a member of the passenger risk group would be subject to increased injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
The fix
OWNERS WILL BE SENT A CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL.
Contacts
Owner notification began november 16, 1998. Owners who do not receive the corrected owner's manual within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Toyota dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 98V188000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.