Car manufacturers have warned the safety of thousands of ACT families may be at serious risk because of faulty Takata airbags.
The manufacturers fear partners and children of vehicle owners are being exposed to danger when travelling in vehicles that still carry the faulty airbags.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said thousands of vehicles throughout the territory are still affected by the Takata airbag recall.
“Car manufacturers have replaced more than 68,000 faulty airbags in the ACT, which represents more than 92 per cent of affected airbags.
“But we still have 5,542 faulty airbags on the road in the ACT that require urgent replacement. This includes 216 of the highly dangerous Alpha and critical airbags,” Mr Weber said.
“They all have the potential to seriously injure or kill vehicle occupants and they all need to be replaced immediately,” he continued.
“Owners of vehicles with faulty airbags need to understand the real danger to anybody who rides in their car and stop exposing themselves, their families and their friends to unnecessary risk.
“We urge all motorists to act now to ensure the safety of your loved ones. Don’t risk the unnecessary death or serious injury of your family.”
Vehicle owners should check the recall status of their vehicles by using the automotive industry’s Takata airbag recall website www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au and by taking prompt action to arrange for the free rectification of any affected vehicles.
“It’s a very simple check. Just go to the website and enter your vehicle’s registration number and state or territory. You can also check by texting TAKATA to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224),” Mr Weber said.