Corolla, Matrix cars may have defective airbags

Toyota is recalling about 191,000 Corolla and Matrix cars to fix airbags that replaced defective Takata airbags but may have been damaged.

The Japanese automaker announced Wednesday that it would recall certain 2003 through 2008 model-year Corolla cars and 2005 through 2008 model-year Matrix cars.

The recall involves about 135,000 vehicles in the U.S. that already had their defective Takata airbags replaced.

The problem with these cars is that their front-passenger-seat replacement airbags may not perform correctly.

“If one of these airbags deploys, there is a possibility that it could be damaged,” Toyota said in a statement. “Such damage could cause the airbag to not properly inflate, and this could increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.”

Toyota declined to comment on whether it has identified any injuries or deaths associated with the defect.

Takata scandal: Arizona man killed by exploding airbag in Honda Civic brings death toll to 24

Automakers have spent the last several years gradually replacing defective Takata airbags, which were prone to explode upon deployment and have been blamed for at least 24 deaths.

But in this case, the replacement bags in the Corolla and Matrix cars may not be safe either.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.