Checking your vehicle for a Takata airbag a 'must-do' this holiday season

AUSTRALIANS taking to the roads this holiday season should urgently check the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Product Safety website to see whether their vehicles are fitted with a defective Takata airbag Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack says.

“In September this year, I issued a Proposed Recall Notice for a compulsory recall of all vehicles with defective Takata airbags installed, following an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) safety investigation,” Mr McCormack said.

“There are approximately 2.3 million cars on our roads with potentially faulty Takata airbags, including around 43,000 containing the ‘alpha’ type inflator which has a high risk of causing injury from misdeployment.

“Do not drive your vehicle if it has an ‘alpha’ airbag inflator; instead call your dealership to arrange a replacement which will be completed free of charge.”

The ACCC’s Takata Taskforce found airbags made by the company without a desiccant (or drying agent) or with a calcium sulphate desiccant have a design flaw which can cause serious injury or death to vehicle occupants when the inflator misfires.

“There is no better gift this Christmas than safety on our roads,” Mr McCormack said.

“Tragically, a number of deaths and injuries have been linked to faulty Takata airbags both here in Australia and internationally.

“I urge all drivers to check their vehicle via the Product Safety website before getting on the road this holiday season.”

The Takata recall affects more than 100 million vehicles worldwide; with the misdeployment of Takata airbags alleged to have been associated with 19 deaths globally, including one in Australia, and at least 200 injuries.

The ACCC’s Takata Taskforce is considering whether to progress to a Compulsory Recall, and the Minister will consider its advice and feedback from stakeholder consultation before making any decision.

The latest list of cars, motorcycles and trucks affected is available at www.productsafety.gov.au/news/takata-airbag-recalls-affecting-australian-consumers.