Thousands of Deadly Airbags Still in Australian Cars

Thousands of Deadly Airbags Still in Australian Cars
Building of car parts giant Takata in Aisho, Japan, on June 24, 2017. (AFP/Getty Images)
AAP
By AAP
11/1/2020
Updated:
11/2/2020

More than 90,000 cars in Australia are being driven with deadly Takata airbags.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said while more than 3.7 million affected airbags had been replaced in 2.71 million Australian cars, there were still more than 107,000 airbags in more than 90,000 cars.

“These airbags are very dangerous and have the potential to explode with too much force, even in minor accidents, sending sharp metal fragments into the vehicle at high speed, potentially killing or seriously injuring its occupants,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said on Nov. 2.

There have been more than 330 injuries and 30 deaths reported worldwide, with one death and three injuries in Australia.

Owners are entitled to have their faulty Takata airbags replaced free of charge. Owners should check if their airbag is affected by entering their number plate and state or territory at ismyairbagsafe.com.au, or by texting ‘TAKATA’ to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224).

Consumers can also visit the Product Safety Australia page, or contact their car’s manufacturer to check if their vehicle is affected.