Certain 2016 Toyota Prius vehicles are being recalled to address an issue with their airbags.
Not related to the ongoing massive Takata airbag recall, this issue affects approximately 7,600 units in the U.S. and involves a component in the airbag assembly that may have been improperly welded and/or misassembled.
According to the Japanese automaker, the front passenger airbag contains stored, compressed gas in the inflator and if the assembly has been improperly welded or misassembled, the stored gas may escape without a deployment signal and result in the partial inflation of the airbag.
The condition has been observed when the vehicle is parked and unoccupied for a period of time. If the airbag inflates in this manner, it can under some circumstances, increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a crash.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Toyota Prius Review
All affected owners will be notified by first class mail starting November, Toyota has announced. The automaker’s dealers will replace the front passenger airbag assembly with a new one free of charge.
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