The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reported today that Australians have made over 12 million vehicle checks on the industry’s Takata airbag compulsory recall website www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au.
These checks have identified more than two million vehicles equipped with faulty Takata airbag inflators which have the potential to kill or seriously injure vehicle occupants.
The 12 million milestone, achieved this week, represents more than 67 per cent of the 17.8 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles on Australian roads.
“The website has been an outstanding success in helping people identify whether their vehicles are affected by the national Takata recall. The heavy usage of the website clearly demonstrates that vehicle owners appreciate being able to readily access important safety information,” FCAI chief executive, Tony Weber, said.
Across Australia, car manufacturers have replaced faulty Takata airbags in more than 2.72 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
Mr Weber said that while the deadline for the Takata airbag campaign had passed, manufacturers were committed to ensuring ongoing support for affected vehicle owners.
“We will continue hosting the website through early 2021 to ensure vehicle owners can readily check the recall status of their vehicles. If owners identify any outstanding faulty airbags, manufacturers and dealers will replace them free of charge.”
Vehicle owners unsure of the recall status of their vehicles can immediately check by visiting the website or by texting the word TAKATA to 0487 247 224.
Unregistered vehicles can also be checked by contacting the relevant brand directly.
Mr Weber warned vehicle owners that state and territory governments were now deregistering or refusing registration of vehicles fitted with unrectified Takata airbags.
“Don’t let your vehicle be taken off the road by the authorities,” Mr Weber said.
“Vehicle owners can easily avoid the inconvenience and serious legal risks associated with deregistration by making prompt arrangements for free replacement”.
The www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au website is an integral part of the automotive industry’s national communications campaign in support of the airbag recall.
The industry campaign has made extensive use of national and regional television, radio, print, cinema, digital and social media, and of non-English press.