The problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 20V-033 (20V033000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 20TB01/20TA01 |
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module |
| Report date | January 22, 2020 |
| Owners notified | August 28, 2020 |
| Vehicles affected | 138,842 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Plus 2 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 20V-033 repair free?
Yes. Toyota dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 138,842 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.