500+ deadly Takata airbags remain on Townsville streets
There are more than 500 cars fitted with deadly Takata airbags driving on Townsville streets.
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There are more than 500 cars fitted with deadly Takata airbags driving on Townsville streets.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission data revealed regional areas of Queensland, including Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Cairns and Toowoomba had more than 1700 vehicles fitted with the dangerous airbags.
The data reveals there are 540 vehicles in Townsville which need to have airbags replaced while 19,191 have been repaired.
The Takata airbag recall is the world’s largest automotive recall, affecting an estimated 100 million vehicles globally.
There have been more than 330 injuries and 30 deaths reported worldwide from the airbags, with one death and three injuries in Australia, including one serious injury.
Under the recall, owners are entitled to have their faulty Takata airbags replaced free of charge.
ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said it was important for vehicle owners to check if they were impacted.
“These airbags are very dangerous and have the potential to explode with too much force, even in low speed accidents, sending sharp metal fragments into the vehicle at high speed, potentially killing or seriously injuring its occupants,” Ms Rickard said.
“We are concerned about the disproportionate number of outstanding airbags in some communities, including those from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, where there has been less take up of the free replacement service.
“Manufacturers have found it difficult to reach some drivers who may not have been as responsive to the warnings and notices sent to them, calls, text messages or in the case of critical vehicles, in-person visits urging them to get their airbags replaced.”
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The ACCC has been working to raise awareness and educate consumers across a range of these suburbs, to check to make sure their car is not under recall.
“It is important that we all help spread the word. If you know someone who lives in these areas or who you think may not know about the recall, tell them about it and offer to help them check their car,” Ms Rickard said.
“It takes less than a minute and together we can help reduce the number of dangerous airbags in cars on our roads.
“Anyone whose car is subject to the recall should not delay and contact a dealership to book their car in urgently for a free airbag replacement.”
Consumers who are required to leave their vehicle with the manufacturer for more than 24 hours to have the airbag replaced may be entitled to a free loan car or have their transport costs covered for the period they are without their vehicle.
Consumers can visit ismyairbagsafe.com.au, the Product Safety Australia page, or contact their manufacturer to check if their vehicle is affected.
A list of vehicle manufacturer helplines and contact details are available online.
Originally published as 500+ deadly Takata airbags remain on Townsville streets