The latest quarterly update from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has revealed that over 90,000 vehicles are still fitted with unsafe Takata airbags.

Vehicle manufacturers are required to ensure that all affected vehicles have their airbags replaced by 31 December 2020 or provide sufficient evidence to the ACCC to satisfy compliance requirements.

“These airbags are very dangerous and have the potential to explode with too much force, even in minor accidents, sending sharp metal fragments into the vehicle at high speed, potentially killing or seriously injuring its occupants,” said ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard.

Nationally, there remains over 107,000 faulty airbags in more than 90,000 cars. More than half of the remaining affected vehicles are located in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

“Vehicles which contain a ‘critical’ airbag should not be driven at all. Contact the manufacturer to arrange for it to be towed or a technician to be sent to you so the airbag can be replaced,” said Rickard.

Worldwide, there has been a total of 330 injuries, and 30 deaths due to faulty Takata airbags malfunctioning.

Vehicle owners are urged to act immediately, as a matter of personal and public safety.

“it is important that we all help spread the word. Anyone whose car is subject to the recall should not delay and contact a dealership to book their car in urgently for a free airbag replacement.”

Vehicle owners should check if their airbag is affected by entering their number plate and state or territory at ismyairbagsafe.com.au, or  texting ‘TAKATA’ to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224).

Source: Auto Talk | Thousands of deadly Takata airbags need replacement before December 31

9 November 2020