VicRoads is contacting vehicle owners following a recall of Takata alpha airbags by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), with the threat of sanctions now being considered for those who fail to act.
Minister for Road Safety and the Transport Accident Commission, Jaala Pulford said the ACCC ordered a national mandatory recall of the Takata alpha airbags in February 2018 and VicRoads had now stepped in to assist in contacting vehicle owners.
“Despite concerted and ongoing efforts by vehicle manufacturers, we still have more than 400 vehicle owners who have not responded to the recall order,” Ms Pulford said.
“We don’t want to suspend or cancel anybody’s registration, but we will do whatever is necessary to get these potentially deadly airbags off our roads,” she said.
“Before registration sanctions commence, VicRoads will write to owners informing them that this is their last chance to act.”
Ms Pulford said affected owners should contact their local authorised brand dealer to organise a free replacement airbag.
She said the potential registration sanctions applied to vehicles with the Takata alpha airbags which include certain Honda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Mazda and Lexus models manufactured between 2001 and 2004.
“There has been 29 reported deaths and more than 320 injuries worldwide from the Takata alpha airbags, including one death and one serious injury in Australia,” Ms Pulford said.
Vehicles affected by the recall can be checked at this PS News link.
