Several Older Model Cars in Michigan Are Being Recalled For Deadly Airbags

Car recalls happen all of the time. Sometime's is a small fix that you can wait on, other times it's something critical and potentially life saving. But, rarely do we see recalls on vehicles that are 20 years old.

However, If you own a 2003 or 2004 Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, or a Pontiac Vibe you need to stop what you're doing and pay attention.

Toyota and General Motors have just dropped a bombshell of an announcement: about 61,000 of their older models are ticking time bombs on wheels. Why? Some seemingly innocent safety features designed to protect you might be doing the exact opposite.

The problem is so severe that both car giants are telling you to STOP DRIVING these cars on Michigan roads immediately.

Why are Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, and Pontiac Vibe models from 2003-2004 being recalled?

These cars are fitted with Takata air bag inflators that are not just malfunctioning; they are at risk of exploding and sending shrapnel flying in every direction. And trust me, you don't want to be anywhere near that explosion.

The recall covers specific Corolla compact cars, Matrix hatchbacks, and RAV4 small SUVs, and around 11,000 Pontiac Vibes from 2003 and 2004 are in the same danger zone, given that they are essentially twins of the Matrix, and manufactured in the same factory in California.

And if that's not enough to raise your concern level to DEFCON 1, here's an extra tidbit: the recalled RAV4s have Takata driver's air bags, while the Corolla and Matrix models have the risky inflators on the passenger side. Oh, and by the way, the Corolla and Matrix are also dealing with a separate recall because their air bags have a tendency to deploy without any crash happening. Yes, you read that correctly – without a crash.

Now, what do you do if you find yourself in possession of one of these potentially lethal vehicles? First and foremost, DO NOT DRIVE IT. I repeat, park it, and leave it parked, then contact your local dealer immediately.

Toyota and GM are taking this so seriously that they are offering various options to make things right including mobile repair, towing the car to a dealer, or even vehicle pickup and delivery. It's a hassle, yes, but it's a necessary one when lives are on the line.

Don't be the one who ignored this warning and put themselves, their loved ones, and others at risk. Check if your vehicle is affected by visiting nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering your 17-digit vehicle identification number to find out if your car is on the list.

Remember, this is not just a friendly heads-up; it's a stern and urgent warning. Lives are at stake, and your safety matters. Take action now before it's too late.