A new campaign Don’t Die Wondering has been launched to gain the attention of more than 1.6 million vehicle owners who have potentially deadly Takata airbags.
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The renewed calls come after 24 reported deaths and 266 injuries worldwide caused by mis-deploying Takata airbag inflator ruptures. One person has died and another seriously injured in Australia.
The defective airbags can shatter shards of metal upon activation if its propelling mechanism is exposed to high levels of moisture.
Australian vehicle owners are being encouraged to check automotive industry-backed site www.IsMyAirbagSafe.com.au.
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Owners can check their number plate against the database of affected vehicles.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief Tony Weber highlighted the critical need to replace ‘alpha’-type airbag inflators, which are a subset of faulty Takata airbag inflators that pose the greatest safety risk to vehicle occupants.
These alpha airbag inflators were installed in certain BMW, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota models sold between 2001 and 2004.
“Some 19,500 vehicles in Australia still need to have their alpha airbag inflators replaced as a matter of utmost urgency,” Mr Weber said.
“In certain circumstances, there is a chance as high as one-in-two that these may rupture on deployment in a collision. These vehicles with alpha airbag inflators should not be driven and owners should immediately contact their manufacturer.
“Any customer who has had an airbag inflator replaced should also check the website to find out if their vehicle will be subject to a future recall.”
The industry has already replaced Takata airbag inflators in almost half of the 3.05 million vehicles affected in Australia.
Motorists can also text the word Takata to 0487 AIRBAG (0487 247 224) for more advice.
