Recall 12V029 affects 427 2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles for curtain shield airbag inflators that can fail in a crash. Free repair at franchised Toyota dealers.
Toyota is recalling 427 2011 RAV4 SUVs because the curtain shield airbag inflator was built with the wrong propellant specification. In a crash, that defect can keep one or both curtain shield airbags from deploying and leave occupants less protected; the Toyota dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The curtain shield airbags in the 2011 Toyota RAV4 are mounted along the sides of the cabin. In a side impact or rollover, the inflator fills the airbag so it drops between the window area and the people inside. The inflator depends on the correct propellant and initiator assembly to start that inflation at the right moment.
In recall 12V029, Toyota says the wrong-specification propellant was used in the initiator assembly inside the airbag inflator. That initiator is the small ignition part that starts the inflator. With the wrong propellant installed, the inflator does not perform as designed, and one or both curtain shield airbags can fail to deploy when they are needed.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the problem is sealed inside the inflator, an owner will not feel a change in driving, braking, steering, or normal airbag readiness during everyday use.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | side air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 427 |
Not every 2011 Toyota RAV4 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, the airbags can fail to deploy, leaving an occupant without the intended protection and increasing injury risk. Use the VIN check to confirm whether this RAV4 is included, then contact a Toyota dealer for the repair path. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Toyota RAV4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask whether the curtain shield airbag assembly replacement is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the free curtain shield airbag assembly check and replacement that fixes the incorrect inflator propellant issue.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V029 when you call.
- Keep passengers out of the affected RAV4 until the dealer confirms the curtain shield airbag assemblies are correct or replaces them.
What happens at the repair
Toyota's remedy directs the dealer to check the vehicle identification number, identify the curtain shield airbag assemblies installed in the vehicle, and replace affected curtain shield assemblies with new ones. The source remedy says the safety recall began on March 8, 2012, and parts and labor are free under the recall. At the service desk, ask Toyota to confirm that the VIN is included in campaign 12V029 before the technician starts the airbag assembly check.
Timeline
| February 1, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 8, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V029?
Recall 12V029 covers 427 2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles with curtain shield airbag inflators built with propellant that does not meet the correct specification. In a crash, the affected airbag can fail to deploy. Toyota dealers will inspect the VIN and replace the curtain shield assemblies as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Toyota RAV4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific RAV4 is included in recall 12V029. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask for the curtain shield airbag inspection. Reference recall number 12V029 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Toyota's remedy says dealers will check the vehicle identification number and replace the curtain shield assemblies as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V029?
The safety risk is reduced occupant protection in a crash. Toyota reported that the curtain shield airbags can fail to deploy properly, increasing injury risk for an occupant. The repair path is a Toyota dealer inspection and replacement of the affected curtain shield assemblies as needed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V029000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V029 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V029000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →