More progress needed on airbag recalls
The quarterly recall figures for Takata airbags reveal steady progress is being made in the recall but the ACCC is warning motorists not to become complacent.
As at 31 March 2019 around 2.1 million (69 per cent) of vehicles have been rectified leaving around 734,000 (24 per cent) of vehicles remaining.
Around 192,000 (seven per cent) of vehicles have been identified by manufacturers as written off, unregistered for more than two consecutive years, exported, scrapped, stolen or modified and unable to have the airbag replaced.
“We urge motorists who have received recall notifications from their car manufacturer to act now to arrange for a replacement which is free of charge,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“Our biggest concern is that there are around 12,000 vehicles that are identified as critically requiring repair, including more than 8800 containing the most dangerous type of ‘alpha’ airbag. The alpha airbag can have up to a 50 per cent chance of misdeployment if triggered in an incident. These cars pose a serious and heightened safety risk and should not be driven.”
Vehicle manufacturers are replacing all faulty Takata airbags according to priority risk factors and are required to complete the mandatory recall by 31 December 2020.
Some vehicles are under active recall for replacement now, with others on a rolling basis, scheduled for future recall based on priority factors.
“We encourage consumers to visit Is My Airbag Safe to check if their vehicle is affected. All you need is your registration plate number. It only takes thirty seconds and can give consumers piece of mind. It might save you or your family from being seriously injured, or worse.”
UPDATE: 4 October 2019
Don't even drive them
Instead, the ACCC suggested drivers have their cars towed to the dealership by the manufacturer and have the airbag replaced free.
The ACCC warns 20,000 vehicles already under recall for defective Takata airbags are now being classified as "critical", and urges consumers not to drive the affected cars at all.
Brands affected are BMW, GM, Holden, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota.
Full story and where to check your model on link below.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-04/takata-airbags-critical-alert-issued-by-accc/11574550
Why they don't just remove the airbags I do NOT know -- as they seem to be more dangerous in than out -- we drove for many decades without them I wanted mine removed but they said that once they are in they have to stay in -- darn ridiculous IMO