Mitsubishi begs deadly airbag owners for action

Mitsubishi has taken the unprecedented step of using full-page advertisements in national newspapers to beg for action from owners of its vehicles affected by the deadly global Takata airbag recall.

At least 22 people have died worldwide, including one in Australia, and more than 180 injured due to the faulty airbag inflators, which can pepper shrapnel at vehicle occupants when deployed.

Only about half of the suspect airbags inflators have been replaced globally and in Australia, where a wide range of car-makers are involved in a voluntary recall of about 2.5 million vehicles dating back to 2009.

Despite widespread media reports, online advertising, social media activity and, in some cases, up to six letters to the same customer from brands like Mitsubishi and Honda – the car-maker affected most by the Takata recall in Australia -- many affected owners continue to drive their potentially deadly vehicles.

In fact, Mitsubishi says the number of customers presenting their vehicle for repair at dealers has dropped significantly over past few months, since publicity around a Takata-related fatality in Sydney led to an increase in airbag fixes last year.

Of the 235,151 problematic airbag inflators in Mitsubishi cars – led by the Lancer, Triton and Pajero -- more than 136,000 have been replaced.

Now, in an effort to reach the owners of vehicles fitted with the remaining 100,000 defective inflators, Mitsubishi Australia today published a letter from its CEO John Signoriello pleading with those apathetic or indifferent owners in national newspapers.

“To our Mitsubishi owners,” reads the letter.

“Since the announcement of the global Takata airbag recall, Mitsubishi Motors has been working hard to replace all affected airbag inflators. In Australia, there were 235,151 Takata beta airbag inflators fitted to Mitsubishi vehicles affected by this recall.

“Over 136,000 Takata inflators have been replaced have been replaced so far with an inflator from another manufacturer.

“For all remaining affected vehicles, there is a risk to the vehicle occupants in the event of an accident that results in the airbag inflator deploying.

“There is a potential risk that due to excessive internal pressure, metal fragments could shoot out toward the vehicle occupants, causing serious injury or even death.

“Testing by Takata Corporation of their airbag inflators removed from Australian cars has shown there is a clear risk to vehicle occupants. Due to degradation of the inflator propellant, the airbags can rupture on deployment.

“We are seeking all remaining customers with affected vehicles to make a booking with their nearest dealer to address this recall, which is free of charge.”

Mitsubishi is urging its customers to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) against its list of affected models here , to contact their nearest Mitsubishi dealer or to call its dedicated recall number -- 1800 931 811 – which is a free call between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

“We urge all customers who own one of these models to verify if their vehicle is subject to the Takata recall and make a booking with your local dealer to replace your Takata airbag inflator,” said Signoriello.

“Your safety is our highest priority.”

Mitsubishi says it is exploring a number of other ways to encourage owners to action their recall notices and will continue to actively promote the recall until all faulty Takata airbag inflators in its Australian vehicles have been replaced.