• by Tanya Gazdik , September 28, 2017

Toyota is launching a campaign to urge drivers to take an hour to get their airbag repaired. 

In an ongoing effort to drive awareness around the Takata airbag inflator recall, the multi-channel ad campaign is launching in three priority markets: Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas. The "In about an hour" campaign urges drivers to take an hour to get their airbags repaired.

While 19 manufacturers and tens of millions of vehicles are involved in the Takata recall in the U.S., Toyota is focusing its marketing where a hot, humid climate poses a greater risk for Takata airbag inflators to rupture when the airbag deploys, causing potentially serious injuries or even death.

The campaign launches this month with digital ads emphasizing that airbag repairs are free, easy and fast, comparing some ­everyday tasks to an airbag repair. Each takes "about an hour," but only one will "save your life," the campaign slogan asserts. "It's an easy choice," the ad continues, "but millions of people still haven't brought their affected vehicles in for a fast, free repair.”

The ads will direct people to the Toyota.com/Recall website, where Toyota, Lexus and Scion owners can enter their vehicle identification number, or VIN, and find a local dealer to schedule a repair. To help further promote awareness for involved Toyota drivers, the campaign will use Facebook, Google AdWords, media outreach, and radio Public Service Announcements. All campaign materials will be available in English and Spanish.

In May 2016, the federal government announced an industry-wide expansion of the Takata airbag inflator recall. and cause serious injury or even death. Inflators in vehicles that have experienced prolonged exposure to hot and humid conditions pose a greater risk of rupture during deployment.