Vehicle owners who have failed to replace defective Takata airbags can expect to receive a notice from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), advising them that their registration will be cancelled next month.

TMR Minister Mark Bailey said despite several warnings from the department, owners of about 3000 vehicles had not yet replaced the dangerous airbags.

“If one of these airbags is deployed following a crash, sharp metal fragments can fly out and hit vehicle occupants, potentially injuring or killing them,” Mr Bailey said.

“We have been working with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission since 2018 to get 600,000 vehicles with these faulty airbags off Queensland roads.”

The initial focus from manufacturers and TMR was on the high-risk ‘Alpha’ airbag vehicles, of which a small number had their registrations cancelled last year. Now, TMR is focusing its efforts on the remaining Takata fleet, which is subject to the Federal Government’s compulsory recall.

“Vehicle owners who have so far failed to replace defective airbags have already been sent a courtesy letter and, if they do not have the airbag replaced, their registration will be cancelled next month,” Mr Bailey continued.

“My message to those drivers is simple; you are not only putting your own life at risk, but you are also risking the lives of any passengers in your vehicle if you continue to drive with faulty airbags…. This is why it is so important to have your airbag replaced.”

Suppliers have ongoing obligations to replace affected airbags. If a consumer has not yet sought a replacement airbag during the operation of the recall, they should still contact their vehicle manufacturer for a free replacement.

You can check if your airbag is on the recall list by searching your vehicle model via the ‘Is my airbag safe‘ website.

For more information, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/vehicle-safety/airbag-recall/airbag-safety-recall

Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads

26 July 2021