Recall 20V033 affects 138,842 1997-2000 Toyota Supra, RAV4, and Celica vehicles for NADI driver air bag inflators. Toyota dealer inspection and repair are free.
Toyota is recalling 138,842 1997-2000 Supra, RAV4, and Celica vehicles because NADI driver air bag inflators can absorb moisture and rupture or leave the air bag underinflated. In a crash, metal fragments can strike occupants or the air bag can fail to protect the driver, increasing the risk of serious injury or death; the Toyota dealer repair will be free once Toyota opens it.
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What's wrong?
The driver air bag inflator in the Toyota 1997-2000 Supra, RAV4, and Celica is the small metal device inside the steering wheel air bag module. During a crash, it is supposed to create gas quickly enough to fill the air bag cushion before the driver moves into it. The inflator has to stay sealed so the propellant inside remains stable over time.
This recall involves Non-Azide Driver air bag inflators, known as NADI inflators. In an affected inflator, the propellant absorbs moisture over time because of a foil-seal problem. If the air bag deploys, that moisture-damaged propellant can burn too slowly, leaving the cushion underinflated, or it can make the inflator rupture during deployment.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver will not see a dashboard light, sound, smell, or handling change that confirms the inflator has absorbed moisture.
Who's affected?
Covers Supra, RAV4, and Celica across the 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000 model years, all using the same driver-side front air bag inflator module.
| 1997 Toyota Supra | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 1998 Toyota RAV4 | front air bag |
| 1999 Toyota RAV4 | front air bag |
| 2000 Toyota RAV4 | front air bag |
| 1998 Toyota Supra | front air bag |
| 1998 Toyota Celica | front air bag |
| 1999 Toyota Celica | front air bag |
| Units affected | 138,842 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If this driver air bag deploys in a crash, an inflator rupture can send metal fragments toward the driver or passengers. An underinflated air bag can also provide less protection and increase the risk of serious injury or death. Confirm your VIN and arrange inspection. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 1997-2000 Toyota Supra, RAV4, or Celica is included in this recall.
- Check Toyota records for the owner notice mailed August 28, 2020.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer with recall number 20V033 and ask whether inspection or repair is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the driver air bag inflator inspection and replacement that addresses rupture or underinflation during deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Toyota repairs for this recall are free.
What happens at the repair
Toyota says owners can inspect the steering wheel themselves or have a Toyota dealer inspect it for affected inflator serial numbers. Because this remedy is still listed as under development, the final dealer repair will be free once available. At the dealer, a Toyota technician inspects the steering wheel serial number and, if the vehicle has an affected front driver air bag inflator, replaces that inflator with an alternate one. If you already paid for a related repair, Toyota's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Keep receipts and repair paperwork for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 22, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 22, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| January 22, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 22, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 28, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V033?
Recall 20V033 covers 138,842 1997-2000 Toyota Supra, RAV4, and Celica vehicles with driver air bag inflators that can rupture or underinflate during deployment. Toyota dealers inspect the steering wheel and replace the driver air bag inflator for free when needed.
What should I do if my 1997-2000 Toyota Supra, RAV4, or Celica is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V033. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer for the steering wheel inspection and any needed driver air bag inflator replacement. Reference recall 20V033 and Toyota recall numbers 20TB01 and 20TA01 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Toyota says the steering wheel inspection and any needed driver air bag inflator replacement are free at a franchised Toyota dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is tied to the driver air bag inflator. In a crash that triggers air bag deployment, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, or the air bag cushion can underinflate and fail to protect the occupant properly.
What if I bought this Toyota used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN first, then call a franchised Toyota dealer with recall 20V033 and ask for the steering wheel inspection and any needed driver air bag inflator replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V033000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-888-270-9371 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V033 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V033000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →