Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki have today issued voluntary recalls of more than 18,000 vehicles manufactured between 1996 and 1999, including the popular Toyota Starlets, offering to buy back affected vehicles.
These vehicles are fitted with potentially deadly Takata NADI 5-AT airbags.
The news comes as safety authorities in Australia confirm reports of four incidents involving the suspected failure of faulty Takata airbags. These incidents resulted in a death and a serious injury in BMW vehicles, and a death and a serious injury in Toyota vehicles.
“These airbags could injure or kill people in the car by misdeploying in an accident and propelling parts or metal fragments into the cabin of the vehicle at high speed,” ACCC Acting Chair Stephen Ridgeway said.
“The airbags have also, in some instances, not fully inflated in a crash, thereby failing to protect drivers as expected.”
Owners of affected Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki vehicles are advised to stop driving their vehicles immediately and contact their manufacturer to arrange an urgent, free inspection.
“Drivers must take these warnings seriously. These airbags pose a serious safety risk that could lead to deaths or serious injuries. Please do not put lives at risk, and consider other transport options if your vehicle is affected,” Mr Ridgeway said.
Consumers are advised to check if their car is included in this recall by visiting the Product Safety Australia website or heading to the IsMyAirbagSafe website
