TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Toyota Yaris airbags problems
severe 121 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
121
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
25crashes
30injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 121 airbags complaints filed for the 2007 Toyota Yaris, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of Toyota Yaris we track for airbags problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 121.
Airbags accounts for 41% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation. The settlement includes Toyota?s agreement to provide a Customer Support Program (?CSP?) for 2002-2019 model year (MY) vehicles originally equipped with certain Takata airbag inflators or repaired under a recall with Takata airbag inflators to provide coverage for repairs of the airbag inflator contained in the airbag module. This CSP letter is to help clarify how to administer this coverage in accordance with the settlement. This is NOT a recall or a campaign, but is provided to reassure owners that Toyota stands behind the reliability of our vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid - published 7.28.2022
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two main failure buckets: the Takata passenger-side airbag inflator recall (NHTSA 16V340000) and a spiral cable/clockspring defect that disables the airbag warning system.
Takata inflator recall: Owners received recall notices but faced months-long delays—sometimes over a year—waiting for replacement parts. In hot, humid climates (Zone 2A), owners learned airbags begin deteriorating around six years and are fully degraded by nine years after manufacture. Many received notifications only after the degradation window had closed. Several owners report being told not to carry passengers until repair, or limiting passenger seating in a small hatchback. One owner was denied the recall at a dealership despite written authorization due to zone restrictions, then learned the dealer fraudulently reported the repair as completed in the national system.
Spiral cable/clockspring failures: Starting around 100,000+ miles, the airbag warning light illuminates. Dealers diagnose a shorted or broken spiral cable in the steering column, quoting $489–$600 for repair. Some owners report Toyota offered $200 goodwill assistance but denied recall coverage. One owner was told the cable had been replaced under a recall but later learned his vehicle used a different cable type not covered by that recall.
Non-deployment in crashes: Multiple owners report airbags failing to deploy during significant impacts (rear-end collisions at 30+ mph, head-on crashes, multi-vehicle pileups, ice-induced collisions). One owner's vehicle flipped three times with no deployment; another sustained injuries requiring surgery; a third had facial injuries from hitting the steering wheel.
Recall delays and parts shortages: Many report waiting 5–16+ months after receiving notice, with dealers stating parts remained backordered or unavailable. One dealership refused to honor a zone-A recall for a zone-C vehicle despite written authorization and local parts availability.
Same Toyota Yaris airbags reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Takata Passenger-Side Airbag Inflator Deterioration
Passenger-side airbag inflators degrade over time, particularly in hot, humid climates. Owners received recall notifications years after the degradation window—some nine years after purchase, when airbags were already fully deteriorated. Replacement parts remained on backorder for months to over a year after recall notices were issued.
When: 6–9 years after manufacture in hot, humid climates; notifications received years after deterioration began
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received; airbag warning light or 'Passenger Air Bag Turned Off' message; inability to use passenger seat safely
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 16V340000
Repairs/costs cited: Passenger airbag replacement; parts repeatedly unavailable or backordered for 5–16+ months. One dealership fraudulently reported repair completion in the national system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata airbag recall (NHTSA 16V340000); extended warranty programs and goodwill offers cited in some cases; dealers issued zone-based restrictions that blocked some repairs despite written authorization and parts availability.
Spiral Cable/Clockspring Short or Failure
The spiral cable in the steering column shorts or breaks, disabling the airbag system. This appears to be a durability defect unrelated to crash damage. Owners report seeing the same issue across multiple Toyota models (Tacoma, Tundra) but note the Yaris was not recalled despite widespread complaints.
When: Around 100,000–148,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light comes on and stays on; airbag light blinking intermittently then staying solid; seat belt warning light also illuminating
Codes mentioned: Spiral cable short, Clockspring assembly failure
Repairs/costs cited: $489–$600 repair at dealership. One recall (NHTSA 14V168000 / Spiral Cable) exists but only covers 7-channel spiral cables; owners with non-7-channel versions are excluded. Goodwill offer of $200 assistance documented in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota offered $200 goodwill assistance in some cases but did not issue a full recall for all Yaris vehicles; claimed warranty coverage expired (5 years / 60,000 miles).
Airbag Non-Deployment in Crashes
Airbags fail to deploy during impact crashes ranging from rear-end collisions at 30 mph to head-on collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, and ice-related spinouts. One vehicle flipped three times with no deployment; another was rear-ended while stationary. Owners sustained serious injuries including fractured ribs, broken arms, spinal fractures, and facial trauma.
When: During crash events at various speeds (25–60 mph) and mileages (1,200–148,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags do not deploy on impact; airbag warning light illuminates after crash; seat belt also fails to function; headrest dislodges or seat breaks under impact
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 14V168000, NHTSA 16V340000
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report vehicles were not repaired; some vehicles were totaled. One owner mentioned airbag warning light was on before the crash, suggesting system was already disabled.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota's response ranged from none to sending a pamphlet explaining how airbags work; some owners noted the vehicle was covered by a recall but did not receive notification until after the crash.
Synthesized from 121 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Takata recall I have been unable to use the front passenger seat of my car since early summer. I have sent your agency a complaint and have called Toyota several times. At what point does your agency insist that the manufacturer repair or replace the vehicle. Waiting for over 1/2 year while driving partially functioning car is unacceptable. *tr
Takata recall. Still no safe fix from Toyota. I guess our lives are not important to this company. We have no airbag issue at this time.
Air bag warning light came on and stayed on, took to dealership got diagnostic and it is the air bag coil spring, needs to be replaced, advised that the air bags most likely will not deploy in a crash. Cost to repair estimated at $500, no longer under warranty. Toyota should repair for free, should not be a part that wears out. *tr
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Yaris. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the air bag warning light and "Passenger Air Bag Turned Off" warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V741000 (Air Bags) and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the warning…
I was sitting at a red light when my 2007 Toyota yaris was rammed from behind in a rear end collision. I sustained several injuries. My air bag didn't deploy, but the air bag light came on. In addition, the seatbelts didn't work either. I suffered a comminuted fracture to my left distal clavicle, fractured l1 transverse process, and I'm having surgery to fix the problems that were caused from…
I have a Toyota yaris hatchback model 2007, I suffer a head on collision and the airbags where not deployed. *tr
Takata recall. Continue to call dealership every month: there are no available recall air bag replacements and no eta of recall air bag replacements. Losing side passenger seat for a safety recall for a year is unacceptable.
Takata recall
Takata recall the air bag did not deploy when I hit black ice went off a 150ft cliff up north shouldn't be alive seat belt did help.this happen dec 12018 in the early morning was going to work and went around corner hit guard rail first passenger air bag didn't deploy at all on my way to truckee can, happen right after bishop ca went to trama
Had airbags trouble with your 2007 Toyota Yaris?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2007 Toyota Yaris?
It's a meaningful issue. 121 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 59 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 55,500 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 96,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,500; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Toyota/Yaris.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.