With three weeks until the compulsory recall deadline, over 65,000 vehicles fitted with deadly Takata airbags remain on Australian roads.

Under the compulsory recall, manufacturers are required to replace all faulty Takata airbags by 31 December 2020.

Takata airbags are being recalled for their potential to explode in an accident, even in a minor one, sending sharp metal fragments through the vehicle at high speed.

Globally, there have been 32 deaths and 350 injuries recorded.

“More than 65,000 of these dangerous vehicles are still on our roads, potentially putting people’s lives in danger. Replacements are free of charge, and there is no excuse for not getting it done,” states Delia Rickard, Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

“Before you get away this summer, please check your cars even if you have checked before and get your friends and family to check their vehicles too.”

From the 65,000 vehicles remaining, 6,000 are classified as critical, meaning they should not be driven under any circumstance. Instead, owners should contact their manufacturer to arrange for the vehicle to be towed or for a technician to be sent out, free of charge.

“We’re concerned by the number of people who have refused to have their airbags replaced and the number of airbags that have not been retrieved. We want to assure people that replacements will not cost anything, and could help protect you and your loved ones,” said Rickard.

“States and territories are imposing registration sanctions for vehicles affected by the recall. Drivers who don’t get their airbags replaced could risk having their vehicle’s registration cancelled.

More than 2.7 million vehicles have now been rectified, with the outstanding 2 per cent of vehicles located primarily throughout the outer suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Consumers can visit ismyairbagsafe.com.au, the Product Safety Australia page, or contact their manufacturer to check if their vehicle is affected.

Source: ACCC | Call to check for deadly airbags before the holidays

10 December 2020