Takata airbag alert as online searches soar

Car owners across the ditch are being advised to act soon over getting faulty Takata airbags fixed to avoid the risk of having their vehicles taken off the road.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) in Australia has issued the warning after revealing more than 12 million vehicle checks have been made on the industry’s Takata airbag compulsory recall website – www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au.

These checks have identified more than two million vehicles equipped with faulty airbag inflators, which have the potential to kill or seriously injure vehicle occupants.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, says while the deadline for the Takata airbag campaign has passed, manufacturers remain committed to providing support for affected vehicle owners.

The 12m milestone represents more than 67 per cent of the 17.8m passenger cars and light commercial vehicles on Australian roads. Marques across Australia have replaced faulty Takata airbags in more than 2.72m vehicles.

Weber warns vehicle owners state and territory governments are now deregistering or refusing registration of vehicles fitted with unrectified Takata airbags.

“Don’t let your vehicle be taken off the road by the authorities,” he adds.

“Vehicle owners can easily avoid the inconvenience and serious legal risks associated with deregistration by making prompt arrangements for free replacement.

“The website has been an outstanding success in helping people identify whether their vehicles are affected by the national Takata recall. 

“We will continue hosting the website through early 2021 to ensure vehicle owners can readily check the recall status of their vehicles. If owners identify any outstanding faulty airbags, manufacturers and dealers will replace them free of charge.”