New airbag checks for imports

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will be introducing new inspection procedures for imported vehicles, to ensure their airbags have not been disengaged as a quick fix in the Takata recall.  Takata’s airbag inflators have been found to rupture airbags, leading to at least 14 deaths and more than 150 injuries. The fault has resulted in the largest-ever vehicle recall in history, affecting 100 million vehicles worldwide and about 300,000 vehicles in New Zealand. But Takata has struggled to manufacture the large volume of new inflators needed to fix all affected airbags. In some new Japanese vehicles, the passenger-side airbags have been disengaged, understands Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA) CE David Vinsen. These Japanese vehicles are sold with a sign advising consumers not to use the front passenger seat. They are still subject to a recall to fix the passenger-side airbags, he says. However, there is a fear these vehicles could be imported into New Zealand, without importers knowing the vehicles are subject to a recall, Vinsen says. “The concern is that vehicles that have had their airbags bypassed might be inadvertently purchased in New Zealand.” The NZTA is working on extra steps in the mandatory certification process to ensure all airbags are connected. The technical details are expected to be finalised today or tomorrow, Vinsen says. Despite the new procedures being needed, the inspection process for imported vehicles is “extremely stringent”, he says. The IMVIA is still working through its procedures for how to handle the Takata recall. Vinsen says a list of all the models affected is still being finalised. While, technically, it is the responsibility of the importer to manage the recall, importers will work with distributors to ensure the airbags are fixed, due to the size of the recall, he says. The Motor Industry Association says distributors will handle the recall for all New Zealand-new and used imported vehicles, despite the law. CEO David Crawford says distributors and dealers should expect more inquiries due to increased media coverage about the recall today.