VicRoads is contacting vehicle owners and urging them to have their airbags replaced – informing them that registration sanctions may be applied if the airbags are not replaced.
While thousands of airbags have been replaced since the initial recall in February 2018, more than 400 registered vehicles in Victoria still have the defective Takata alpha airbags fitted, risking serious injury or death when deployed.
The move follows multiple attempts by vehicle manufacturers to contact the affected owners including letters, phone calls, emails and door knocking.
Before registration sanctions start, VicRoads will write to owners informing them that this is their final chance to act. Affected owners should contact their local authorised brand dealer immediately to organise a replacement airbag at no cost.
“Despite concerted and ongoing efforts by vehicle manufacturers, we still have more than 400 vehicle owners who have not responded to the recall order,” Victorian Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Minister Jaala Pulford said.
“We don’t want to suspend or cancel anybody’s registration, but we will do whatever is necessary to get these potentially deadly airbags off our roads.”
The potential registration sanctions apply to vehicles with the Takata alpha airbags, which are subject to a compulsory, national recall, including certain Honda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Mazda and Lexus models manufactured between 2001 and 2004.
There has been 29 reported deaths and more than 320 injuries worldwide from the Takata alpha airbags, including one death and one serious injury in Australia.
To check if your vehicle has been affected by the recall, visit https://ismyairbagsafe.com.au/
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