Despite the replacement of 3.56 million defective Takata airbags as part of the compulsory recall, seven per cent of deadly airbags remain on our roads.
Figures released today from the ACCC revealed more than 300,000 airbags in 256,000 vehicles were still yet to be fixed, representing a huge ongoing safety issue for drivers nationwide.
“We are now in the final year of the compulsory recall, but more than a quarter of a million dangerous vehicles remain on our roads,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“There is a risk these airbags may misdeploy, even in a minor accident, and send sharp metal fragments into the vehicle at high speed, causing serious injury or death to its occupants.”
There have been 29 deaths and over 320 serious injuries reported worldwide, including a death and serious injury in Australia.
“These faulty airbags could be deadly, and if your vehicle is under active recall, you should act now to arrange for a free replacement,” Ms Rickard said.
“We’re particularly concerned by the number of vehicles with a critical airbag remaining for airbag replacement.”
“If your vehicle is listed as critical, please do not drive it. Contact your dealer to arrange for your vehicle to be towed to the place of repair so you do not have to drive it,” Ms Rickard said.
Takata fast facts
- In total about 3.56 million airbag inflators (86.7%) have now been rectified in about 2.59 million vehicles.
- This excludes 246,768 airbag inflators (6%) in 206,840 vehicles identified as unrepairable (written off, scrapped, stolen, or modified and unable to have the airbag replaced.)
- There remains 299,122 airbag inflators (7.3%) in 256,670 vehicles outstanding for replacement.
- As at 31 December 2019, there are 2,611 vehicles with critical-alpha airbags and 8,585 vehicles with critical non-alpha airbags as outstanding for replacement.
- Vehicles with critical airbags should not be driven, and drivers are entitled to have their vehicles towed to the dealership to have the airbag replaced for free.
Consumers can check if their vehicle is affected by visiting ismyairbagsafe.com.au and entering their number plate and state or by texting ‘TAKATA’ to 0487 247 224.
