The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has urged motorists whose vehicles have Takata airbags but who have yet to have them replaced, to do so without delay.
The ACCC said that as at 31 March, around 2.1 million (69 per cent) of vehicles had been rectified, leaving around 734,000 (24 per cent) of affected vehicles remaining.
Deputy Chair of the ACCC, Delia Rickard said that around 192,000 (seven per cent) of vehicles had 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,” Ms Rickard said.
“Our biggest concern is that there are around 12,000 vehicles that are identified as critically requiring repair, including more than 8,800 containing the most dangerous type of ‘alpha ‘ airbag.”
She said the alpha airbag had 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,” Ms Rickard said.
“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.”
She said consumers should visit the Is My Airbag Safe website to check if their vehicle was affected.
“All you need is your registration plate number,” she said.
“It takes only 30 seconds and can give consumers peace of mind.
“It might save you or your family from being seriously injured, or worse,” Ms Rickard said.
