The problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
The risk
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
The fix
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 14V-168 (14V168000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module |
| Report date | April 9, 2014 |
| Owners notified | October 27, 2014 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,486,413 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2009 Pontiac Vibe
- 2010 Pontiac Vibe
- 2009 Toyota Corolla
- 2010 Toyota Corolla
- 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix
- 2010 Toyota Corolla Matrix
- 2008 Toyota Highlander
- 2009 Toyota Highlander
- 2010 Toyota Highlander
- 2006 Toyota RAV4
- 2007 Toyota RAV4
- 2008 Toyota RAV4
- 2009 Toyota Tacoma
- 2010 Toyota Tacoma
- 2006 Toyota Yaris
- 2007 Toyota Yaris
- 2008 Toyota Yaris
- 2009 Toyota Yaris
- 2010 Toyota Yaris
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2009 Pontiac Vibe airbag problems 352
- 2010 Pontiac Vibe airbag problems 31
- 2009 Toyota Corolla airbag problems 552
- 2010 Toyota Corolla airbag problems 424
- 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix airbag problems 40
- 2010 Toyota Corolla Matrix airbag problems 10
- 2008 Toyota Highlander airbag problems 58
- 2009 Toyota Highlander airbag problems 8
- 2010 Toyota Highlander airbag problems 14
- 2006 Toyota RAV4 airbag problems 57
- 2007 Toyota RAV4 airbag problems 99
- 2008 Toyota RAV4 airbag problems 58
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 14V-168 repair free?
Yes. Pontiac dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,486,413 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.