Toyota recalls 2.27 million vehicles globally over airbag defect

Toyota on Wednesday said it was recalling 2.27 million vehicles globally over an airbag system defect that could cause a fire. The fire risk from the defect covers about 1.62 million cars abroad and 650,000 in Japan. The announcement covered about 20 models, including its Corolla sedan and Yaris subcompact. Toyota has now recalled about nine million vehicles in the past two months.

There is a risk that the airbag container could break down and scatter around, which could cause fire or injuries.

Toyota

The callback comes after Toyota in April recalled 6.39 million vehicles globally over a string of problems. Despite record sales and bumper profits, Toyota has been fighting to protect its brand after earlier recalls involving millions of vehicles. In March, it reached a deal to pay $1.2 billion to settle U.S. criminal charges that it covered up a sticky pedal blamed for dozens of deaths. Rival General Motors has also been sideswiped by accusations that it hid a decade-long ignition and airbag problem linked to 13 deaths.