Toyota Issues “Do Not Drive” Advisory for Air Bag Recall
Takata air bags are being recalled once again, and auto manufacturers, Toyota, Honda, Dodge, BMW, Volkswagen and a list of other makers recently issued a “Do Not Drive” advisory for their older vehicles. The recall impacts 34 automotive brands and caused by frontal airbags on the driver’s or passenger’s side(s) that could deploy and injury or kill car occupants.
The issue is the airbag’s inflator, a metal cartridge loaded with propellant wagers, can be ignited with explosive force during a collision. If the inflator housing ruptures during an accident, metal shards from the airbag can be sprayed throughout the passenger cabin.
Approximately 67 million airbags produced by Takata, the major air bag supplier for most vehicles, have been recalled. By the end of 2022, 11 million airbags have not been replaced.
Vehicles from model years 2002 to 2015 are impacted by this recall.
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the cause of the recall involves airbags that use ammonium-nitrate based propellant without a chemical drying agent. Environmental moisture, high temperatures and age associated with the defect can improperly inflate the airbags, sending shrapnel into occupants. So far, over 400 injuries have been caused by this issue in the US, including 26 deaths.
It is recommended you schedule a repair with the dealership if your vehicle is part of the recall. Specific models being at extreme risk include 2001 – 2003 Honda and Acura models, the 2006 Ford Ranger and 1999 BMW 323i and 328is. Click here to see if your vehicle is impacted by the recall.
My Auto Store is an ARA (Automotive Recyclers Association) Certified Automotive Recycler that is authorized to sell undeployed, working air bags. Air bags that are part of this recall sold through My Auto Store have been removed from our website and currently unavailable for purchase. Please contact our customer service team if you ordered an airbag for a recalled vehicle.
Funding Shift from Volvo to Geely Could Help EV Maker, Polestar See Growth
Polestar, the EV maker that Volvo supports, will no longer receive financial support from Volvo. Even though they will not receive further funding, Volvo will continue to collaborate on manufacturing and R&D.
Geely, Volvo and Polestar’s parent company, will now provide full financial and operational support to Polestar going forward.This seems to a strategy that will help the brand in a growing market.
A factor that could have been the cause for this business decision is Volvo will be releasing its first two EV models – the EX30 and EX90. The collaboration between the two auto brands will strengthen Volvo’s sales. Polestar, which exclusively sells EVs, have been seeing a decline in sales globally. Part of the problem is they have a small lineup and are slowly rolling out their new lineups while competing with other EV brands including Tesla.
After the announcement, Polestar’s stock rose by over 30 percent. 2024 is expected to be a crucial year for Polestar, as the US launch of its Polestar 4 is expected to be sometime later this year. Currently, the Polestar 3 has been plagued by delays due to software challenges in its platform. In addition to the Polestar 4, the Polestar 5 sedan is expected to debut in 2025 and the Polestar 6 roadster debuting the following year in 2026.
If you need to get EV parts without paying full price for a replacement. Checkout My Auto Store. We are carrying more quality EV parts.
Lexus’ All New 2024 GX Continues Toyota’s Rich Off-Roading History
The all-new 2024 Lexus GX 550 combines luxury with an off-roading feel, especially with its Overtrail trims. The redesigned model is boxier and more rugged. It will have unique features that make it truly feel like a luxury off-roading vehicle including a locking differential for slippery conditions and traction control modes for a variety of terrains.
Whether you’re driving on the road, or decide to ride the dirt trails, the GX 550 can handle both surfaces. With the Overtrail models, you’ll have more ground clearance due to bigger 33-inch tires, fender flares and running boards. You apparently can drive the SUV in water that will go over the tires.
The GX’s multi-mode traction control system will help you adjust to certain driving conditions. It allows more or less wheel slip, enhancing or decreasing steering sensitivity, and making other adjustments the computer feels it can compensate for the conditions.
With the heavy-duty frame, the Overtrail models are heavily armored with two main skidplates that protect the engine and fuel tank. This reinforced SUV is made for all types of road conditions.
Suspension is one-of-a-kind for an SUV. There are more joints to manage motion effectively making this durable for off-roading. Another unique feature is the new E-KDSS setup. Unlike previous setups, each damper is isolated and controlled individually allowing more flexibility and better adaptive performance.
For the performance, the GX comes standard with a V8 (The previous generations include a small turbo V6).
