Major car manufacturers, including BMW, GM Holden, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota, are warning that 20,000 vehicles already under recall for defective Takata airbags are now classified as “critical”.
The ACCC is urging consumers not to drive these cars at all until the airbag has been replaced.
“Cars with airbags listed as ‘critical’ should not be driven. Classification as ‘critical’ means manufacturers have assessed these airbags as being particularly unsafe. A Takata airbag misdeployment can result in death or serious injury, even in a minor collision,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“Under this urgent recall, drivers are entitled to have their vehicles towed to the dealership by the manufacturer and have the airbag replaced for free. Drivers may be entitled to a loan vehicle while the airbag is replaced.”
“We encourage all drivers to check if their vehicle is affected, even if they have checked before, and to act immediately to have their airbag replaced.”
Consumers can check whether their car is affected by visiting:
- IsMyAirbagSafe.com.au and entering their state/territory and registration plate number or by texting
