Holden and VW detail mass Takata recall

HOLDEN and Volkswagen have confirmed which models sold locally are affected by the Australian government’s mandatory recall of potentially defective Takata airbags.

Approximately 333,000 vehicles under the GM banner are caught up in the recall, including Holden models such as the Barina from 2012-2018, the Astra from 2005-2009 and 2014-2017, the Cruze from 2010-2016, the Cascada from 2015-2017 and Trax from 2013-2018.

Other GM vehicles include the Opel Astra from 2012-2013, the 2014 Cascada, the 2014 Mokka, the 2013 Zafira and two Saab models – the 9-3 and 9-5 from 2006-2011.

None of the affected Holden models contain ‘alpha’ airbag inflators that have a 50 per cent chance of expelling metal shrapnel into the cabin upon deployment and, according to the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), should not be driven.

The manufacturer has said it will contact customers directly at the appropriate time.

Likewise, Volkswagen has announced the recall of 106,804 Australian passenger vehicles built between 2007 and 2015, as well as 28,930 vans, bringing the brand’s call back total to 135,734.

Recalls include the Mk6 Golf from 2009-2013, the Golf Cabrio from 2012-2015, the Passat from 2010-2015, the Polo from 2007-2014, the CC from 2009-2016, the Eos from 2010-2014 and the Up from 2013-2014.

Recall numbers range between 35,917 for the Mark 6 Golf and 2296 for the Up.

Of the 28,930 vans that are recalled, 10,685 comprise the Crafter from 2006-2017, and the other 18,245 are made up of the Transporter Multivan from 2008-2015.

As with Holden, Volkswagen says none of the required recalls involve the deadly ‘alpha’ airbag inflators, and that the recalls will be staggered over the next three years.

The German manufacturer will also contact owners to let them know when they can visit a dealer to have the airbag replaced.

Over 100 million vehicles worldwide have been swept up in the Takata airbag recall over the past decade, with a myriad of car-makers caught in the scandal including Ferrari, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Before the Australian government legislated that all Takata-branded airbags must be replaced, the industry had been operating a voluntary recall that was at the discretion of the manufacturers.

Globally, 23 deaths have been attributed to faulty Takata airbag inflators, with one fatality occurring in Australia in July last year.