ACCC issues 'critical' warning for lethal cars

Around 20,000 vehicles that are part of the deadly Takata airbag recall have been classified 'critical' by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today.

Five mainstream car brands – Toyota, Holden, Honda, Mitsubishi and BMW – are affected by the new critical classification, with the ACCC warning that owners should under no circumstances be operating the vehicles.

The global Takata airbag scandal has claimed at least 26 lives globally, with one in Australia, and more than 300 injuries due to deterioration in the internal components of the airbags which can blast deadly shrapnel at occupants when the airbags inflate.

Some Australian states are refusing to register affected cars if the airbags are not replaced, essentially banning them from public road use.

The 20,000 cars that are part of the new 'critical' category and require immediate inspection and repair, including the following vehicles:

Holden – 1,843 vehicles (2010 Holden Cruze)
Honda – 6,043 vehicles (2012 Honda City, 2011 CR-V, 2012-2013 Insight, 2012-2014 Jazz / Jazz Hybrid 2006-2011 Honda Civic, 2007-2012 Legend, 2001-2007 Accord, 2003-2006 MDX)
Toyota – 582 vehicles (2003-2005 Toyota Echo and RAV4)
BMW – 7,909 vehicles (2002-2003 5 Series, 2001-2006 3 Series, 2003 BMW X5
Mitsubishi – 3,254 vehicles (2007-2014 Triton)

"Cars with airbags listed as 'critical' should not be driven," said ACCC deputy chair, Delia Rickard.

"Under this urgent recall, drivers are entitled to have their vehicles towed to the dealership by the manufacturer and have the airbag replaced for free. Drivers may be entitled to a loan vehicle while the airbag is replaced," she said.

Thus far, 3.36 million faulty airbags have been replaced in Aussie cars, representing 82.4 per cent of all Takata airbags fitted to Aussie vehicles.

But there are still 425,971 vehicles and 483,071 airbags that are still unaccounted for, says the ACCC.

Globally more than 100 million vehicles are affected.

"Classification as 'critical' means manufacturers have assessed these airbags as being particularly unsafe. A Takata airbag misdeployment can result in death or serious injury, even in a minor collision," said Rickard.

"We encourage all drivers to check if their vehicle is affected, even if they have checked before, and to act immediately to have their airbag replaced."

"This recall is a rolling recall, which means that more vehicles can be added to the critical category at any time, and we’re urging consumers not to ignore recall messages from manufacturers to get their airbag replaced," added Rickard.

Car owners can find out if their vehicle is fitted with the potentially lethal airbags by visiting IsMyAirbagSafe.com.au and entering their state/territory and registration plate number.

Another way is to text 0487 AIRBAG (247224) and follow the prompts, or check the vehicle manufacturer's website then input the VIN number or by contacting the car brand directly.

The ProductSafety.gov.au website also has information concerning the recall and any updates to vehicles of critical concern.