Toyota Sienna Minivan Recall Issued Over Defective Assist Grips

Roughly 30,000 Toyota minivans are being recalled due to a risk that assist grips mounted to the ceiling may become detached in the event of a crash, posing an injury risk for passengers. 

The Toyota Sienna minivan recall was announced by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. on November 26, following an internal investigation by the automaker into potential issues with the vehicles from the 2015 model year.

The assist grips attached to the ceiling of the minivans in the second row seating may detach when the curtain shield airbags deploy, causing the grips to strike passengers.

The vehicles are equipped with overhead assist grips that that allow passengers to brace themselves in the event the vehicle loses control or is involved in an accident. The grips are mounted to the roof rails and have a plastic framing usually matching the interior color. The grips may detach from the roof rails if the vehicle is involved in an accident causing the curtain shield airbag (CSA) to deploy.

The recall impacts an estimated 30,000 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivans with 25,500 sold in the United States, 2,000 sold in Canada, 1,600 sold in Mexico, 130 sold in Korea, and 18 sold in Germany.

According to Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc., owners will receive a notification by first class mail instructing them to contact their local Toyota dealer and schedule a free repair.

Dealers will modify the headliner under the second row overhead assist grips to prevent them from detaching when the CSA airbag is deployed. Customers with questions may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or visit them online at www.toyota.com/recall and enter their vehicles VIN number to confirm whether their vehicle is involved in the recall.