The Takata airbag crisis that has already claimed some 2.8 million vehicles in Australia has taken another turn, with an additional 78,000 vehicles taken off the road in the latest recall.

The NADI 5-AT inflator is believed to be behind the recall, not the Beta airbag that has caused a majority of issues thus far. It is believed that the NADI 5-AT inflator can become unstable over time and explode upon impact during a crash.

Vehicles manufactured by Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki and Toyota between 1996 and 2000 are believed to be affected by this recall.

While many manufacturers are still assessing the extent to which this recall affects them, BMW, the manufacturer of 12,663 of the approximately 78,000 affected vehicles, have urged drivers of affected vehicles to not operate their vehicles at all.

Audis make up 3,960 of the affected vehicles, Mazda has 466, while Ford account for 216. Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Suzuki, who are expected to account for a large portion of affected vehicles, are yet to release their figures.

Due to the cost of engineering and testing replacement airbags in the older model vehicles, both Audi and BMW have announced that they will be buying back affected vehicles from consumers at market value, as determined by an independent third-party valuer.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned drivers that they should cease driving affected vehicles immediately to keep themselves and other road users safe as we enter the busy holiday season.

“Even though full details and appropriate remedies are still being worked out by the manufacturers we are issuing this warning now to urge people not to use their car if it is affected by this potentially deadly airbag,” said Rod Simms, ACCC Chair.

“We want everyone to have a happy and safe holiday period and encourage people to consider alternative transport options if possible, rather than using vehicles fitted with these airbags.”

To view the full list of affected vehicle models, click here.

Hyundai have also fallen victim to a new airbag recall, however it is independent of the Takata recall.

106,441 2007-2012 i30 model vehicles have been affected by the recall, which relates to concerns that the airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners could fire unexpectedly.

Hyundai have said that improper programming of the airbag control unit (ACU) is at the centre of the issue.

All affected vehicles owners will be contacted individually by Hyundai.

Original source: Car Advice | Takata airbag crisis worsens: 78,000 cars off the road in Australia’s biggest automotive buyback

18 Dec 2019