Multiple times my 2007 Toyota Prius airbag system has failed due to a passenger weighing over 250 pounds sitting in the passenger seat. The problem seems to happen when the passenger wiggles when getting in or having a wallet in his back pocket. After he gets in the red airbag warning light comes on and it is my understanding that the airbag is then disabled. The airbag light will remain on until the dealer services the car. The dealer?S hand diagnostic tool once reported that the code was accident detected, but I challenged this and it was discovered that the code actually means occupant classification system fail. Unhooking the 12V battery will clear the system and supposedly make the airbag work properly again. The problem will reoccur when the same passenger gets in the passenger seat.

- Lexington Park, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that she collided into another vehicle when she depressed the brake. As a result, the seat belts disengaged which allowed the driver hit the steering column. In addition, the crash destroyed the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. As of January 3, 2008, the dealer or manufacturer had not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 13,000. A police report is available.

- Navarre, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Prius. The contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. As a result, the contact's vehicle then crashed into the rear of the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt did not lock. There were no injuries. The road conditions were dry. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed, but has not yet been inspected. The current and failure mileages were 3,141. Updated 02/01/08

- Oveido, FL, USA