Is your airbag safe?
We all want the safest car possible, but what if something that’s meant to protect you in a crash is a danger to you and your family?
The ACCC says there are still more than 16,000 faulty Takata airbags that need replacing in Tasmania.
This is a worrying number, which is why we want all Tasmanians to check if their car is safe.
The Takata airbag defect is linked to a faulty inflation canister, which can rupture when the airbag inflates. This could potentially cause serious injuries and even death as metal fragments are propelled out through the airbag cushion.
As of March, 63,700 faulty airbags had been replaced in Tasmania. However, there are still 16,400 to go, with more cars being added to the list as the airbags get older.
Takata ‘alpha’
There are a small number of the critical Takata ‘alpha’ airbags in Tasmania that need replacing. These were supplied between 2001 and 2004 for models of BMW, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota.
These airbags should be replaced immediately.
If your car is fitted with these particular airbags and you haven’t replaced them under the mandatory national recall, you’ll receive a registration suspension notice from the Tasmanian Government.
More models
As of July 2019 the overall recall list includes models of Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Citroen, Ford, Holden, Honda, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, SAAB, Skoda, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota and Volkswagen.
It’s unknown how many more Tasmanian cars will be added, but more are set to join the recall list between now and January 2020.
What should you do?
If your car’s manufacturer contacts you about replacing your airbag, get in touch with your dealer immediately who will replace it for free.
If you’re selling, buying or registering a car, you and the owner are responsible for checking if it’s fitted with a faulty airbag, and if it is, to organise a free replacement.
There’s a range of ways to check if your airbag is safe. Don’t delay, find out at ACCC Product Safety, FCAI Is my airbag safe? and the Personal Property Securities Register.
You can find more information via the ACCC FAQ page.