Airbag list update

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced a reduced list of vehicles requiring visual verification that the passenger airbag is connected. The latest update to Technical Bulletin 40 now provides a list of models that require inspection. For three years, a number of car manufacturers have requested replacements of the frontal airbags manufactured by Takata due to a risk of incorrect deployment that can result in the release of metal shrapnel from the airbag inflator unit. Unfortunately, due to the number of affected vehicles, the supply of replacement parts has been delayed in a number of cases. The NZTA is aware of instances in Japan where front passenger airbags have been disconnected by the vehicle manufacturer’s agent as an interim measure. The disconnection process involves fitting an electronic component to simulate the presence of the airbag so that the warning light operates as normal. According to the Land Transport Rule: Frontal Impact 2001, frontal airbags and airbag warning lights must not be rendered inoperable. As such, vehicles that have had their airbags disconnected cannot be entry certified. Since version 1 of this bulletin, the Transport Agency has received additional information on the vehicles that may have had their passenger airbags disconnected, and how to determine whether a recall has been completed on an affected vehicle. To find out what vehicles are affected and how to deal with the issue, click here.