Non-remedied airbags banned
The NZTA is taking action to prohibit vehicles with any outstanding Takata recalls from entering New Zealand’s fleet.
From November 1, any import with an outstanding airbag call-back – be it for the alpha or non-alpha-type inflator – will not be certified as compliant for registration. The agency’s vehicle inspection requirements manual has been updated accordingly.
“It’s now critical to ensure all airbag recalls on any vehicle purchased overseas are closed out before importing to New Zealand,” stresses Malcolm Yorston, technical manager of VIA (the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association).
From November 1, border-inspection organisations will be required to identify and report on vehicles they inspect that are fitted with airbags and are on Takata airbag call-back lists from various source countries.
On finding a vehicle subject to recall for a Takata airbag, the vehicle is to be damage flagged with a note added stating “open airbag recall”. All responsibility for importing any vehicle remains with the importer.
In Japan, Japanese vehicles subject to recalls are listed on the website of the Japan Automobile Service Promotion Association at www.jaspa.or.jp/english/ although the site doesn’t include European vehicles.
For BMW’s Japan’s recall search, click here.
For Mercedes-Benz, click here.
To view the above search pages in English, open the links in Google Chrome, then right-click anywhere on the page and select “translate to English”.
Vehicles from countries other than Japan will have to be checked against official sites in those countries.
“It is important to understand that this is not a new requirement,” adds Yorston. “It is just enforcing the existing requirement that recalls are to be closed prior to a vehicle being imported into New Zealand.”
For more information, read the NZTA’s full technical bulletin.
For any questions, call Yorston 0800-842-842 or email technical@via.org.nz.