Surprise, Surprise. Toyota has recently issued another recall (in addition to the almost 20 recalls it has issued since 2009). This time, over 300,000 Highlander,  Highlander Hybrid, and Rav4 vehicles were recalled due to possible airbag system malfunctions.

According to the NHTSA report, these vehicles could have a sensory problem with their curtain shield airbag (CSA) system. If one of the censors, which is designed to detect the vehicle's roll angle, malfunctions, the airbag warning light would illuminate and the vehicle's roll detection system would be suspended. If both of these sensors were to malfunction, the airbag system and the seat belt pretensioner could be inadvertently activated.

This recall, expected to begin during May, affects only certain model year 2007-2008 vehicles. Toyota has stated that they will notify vehicle owners during May, once sufficient replacement parts become available. The motor corporation plans on replacing these CSA systems, if necessary, with new air bag systems that have improved roll rate censors, free of charge. 

For more information, owners can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or visit the National Highway Traffic and Administration hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

This latest recall brings Toyota's recent recalled vehicle count to over 14 million vehicles.