ACCC expands compulsory Takata recall

THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has expanded its compulsory recall of models fitted with potentially lethal Takata airbag inflators by about 1.1 million vehicles.

 

As such, the total number called back under the voluntary and mandatory recalls grows to more than five million – or about one in four of the 19 million vehicles that comprise Australia’s fleet.

 

Citroen, McLaren and Opel find themselves included in the local Takata recalls for the first time, adding to the list of 25 other brands already impacted.

 

Of these marques, Toyota, Holden, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Jeep, Skoda, Land Rover, Jaguar, Tesla, Chrysler and Ferrari have added further examples and/or models to their respective call backs.

 

Notable new models involved include the BMW X3 mid-size SUV, Jaguar XE mid-size sedan, Ferrari 488 GTB and Spider sportscars, and what appears to be the entire McLaren model line-up from 2012 onwards.

 

However, several of the aforementioned brands are yet to issue official recall notices with a list of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for their latest models and/or examples called back.

 

Similarly, ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard told ABC News even more examples and models will be added to the compulsory recall, but information on these is still being finalised.

 

“We know there will be a few further recalls in the coming month, which we are just in the process of negotiating,” she said.

 

“When people visit productsafety.gov.au, they should sign up for the free recall notifications, and that way they will see whether their vehicle is added to the list.”

 

Ms Rickard stressed that about 25,000 of the more dangerous ‘Alpha’ Takata airbag inflators are still on Australian roads, calling for owners of these vehicles to take immediate action.

 

“The alpha airbags really are incredibly worrying,” she said. “There was a fault in the manufacturing of some airbags in the early 2000s, and there is a much greater chance that they will deploy and harm or kill people than the other airbags.

 

“If you have an alpha bag, what you need to do is stop driving (your vehicle) immediately, contact your manufacturer or dealer, arrange for them to come and tow it away. Do not drive (your vehicle).”

 

As previously reported, at least 23 deaths and 230 injuries caused by Takata airbag inflators have been reported worldwide, including one of each in Australia last year.

 

“Please don't be complacent,” Ms Rickards added. “This is a really serious recall. Take it seriously. Commit right now to check the website and take action this week.”

 

Under the ACCC’s mandatory call back, brands are required to replace all Takata airbag inflators with non-defective units from a different supplier by the end of 2020.

 

Recall work is staggered with priority given to hot and humid geographic regions, airbag inflators located on the driver’s side and the aforementioned Alpha types.

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