Mitsubishi and Honda announce Takata recall details

MITSUBISHI and Honda have become the seventh and eight manufacturers to issue factory recalls for more than 42,000 cars combined fitted with the potentially lethal Takata NADI 5-AT airbag inflator.

The recalls follow in the footsteps of those outlined by BMW, Audi, Ford, Mazda, Suzuki and Toyota late last year and earlier this month, with both brands to offer vehicle buybacks at market value.

According to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chairman Rod Sims, owners of all affected vehicles should stop driving them immediately

“These Takata NADI 5-AT airbags may kill or injure vehicle occupants if they misdeploy in an accident,” he said.

“Two drivers have already died in Australia after their Takata NADI 5-AT airbags ruptured and propelled metal parts into the car interior.”

“We urge owners to check if their vehicle is affected by visiting the Product Safety Australia website or contacting their manufacturer,” Mr Sims said.

As GoAuto reported last year when news of the NADI 5-AT inflators first broke, the affected Mitsubishis comprise of 8081 MY97-00 Lancers, Mirages, Pajeros, Expresses and Starwagons with the brand also offering alternative transport to minimise any inconveniences.

In the official Mitsubishi recall notice, the ACCC said replacement airbag inflators were not available due to the age of the vehicles.

Much like Mitsubishi, Honda is also offering alternative transport methods while buyback negotiations (for registered vehicles) are underway with 33,289 MY97-00 Accords and CR-Vs and MY96-00 Legends affected – all also unable to be repaired.

Mr Sims implored drivers and vehicle owners to adhere to the recalls and encouraged them not to just wait to be contacted by their respective manufacturer.

“Sometimes manufacturers will not have the latest contact information for the owners of these cars, so people who suspect their cars are affected should contact the manufacturer themselves,” he said.

“These recalls by Honda and Mitsubishi are the final recalls in relation to the Takata NADI 5-AT airbags. 

“The ACCC and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development expect manufacturers to work to get these cars off the road as quickly as possible.”

In total, more than 78,000 vehicles nationally have now been affected by this particular recall saga, one that stands alone from the previous Takata Alpha and Beta recalls.

The danger of the NADI 5-AT inflator lays in a defect which can allow moisture into the unit and degrade the propellant to the point of becoming volatile and not deploying as it should in a collision.

As a result, potentially lethal metal fragments from the inflator unit can become like shrapnel and enter the cabin at high speed and inflict serious or even fatal injuries.

BMW was the first to issue a recall of this nature back in November at which point there had been three reported incidents involving the suspect airbags, two of which – including one fatality – involved the affected E46 3 Series.