The ACCC has released comprehensive state-by-state data detailing recall rates for deadly Takata airbags, and the first data detailing progress made by various vehicle manufacturers in removing them from Australian cars.
The ACCC says one year since the ACCC started overseeing the Takata airbag recall, 1.8 million potentially deadly airbags still need replacing as part of a compulsory recall that will run until 2020.
Over the past 12 months, 1.1 million faulty Takata airbags have been replaced in around 930,000 vehicles.
New data provided by vehicle manufacturers shows the location of all known registered vehicles and number of airbag inflators affected that require a replacement.
The most dangerous airbags, known as “alpha” airbags, were fitted to about 115,000 cars, with around 19,500 still potentially on the roads. These airbags require urgent replacement and drivers should not drive cars containing these airbags until they have been fixed.
“Our greatest concern remains around the alpha airbags, which can still be found in almost 20,000 cars. Make no mistake, these airbags can kill and our advice is for consumers to check our website to see if there car is affected by this recall. If your car contains an alpha airbag, it should not be driven.”
Rickard welcomed the launch of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries national consumer awareness campaign ‘Faulty airbags? Don’t die wondering’ and new online tool, www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au and text service 0487 AIRBAG.
Regular updates will be published on the Takata recalls progress page.
Potential insurance headache
If your customer ignores the recall they could find themselves uninsured warns compensation law specialist Mark O’Connor, who says vehicle owners who deliberately ignore the nationwide Takata airbag recall are putting their safety and their insurance cover at risk.
Mark O’Connor, a Director with Bennett & Philp Lawyers who heads the Personal Legal Services Division, says: “Considering replacement of the defective airbags is free I can’t understand the thinking of those who are ignoring the recall.
“If you are a car owner and ignore the national recall, then later on have an accident where the faulty airbag deploys, you could have a major insurance headache on top of any physical injuries caused by the airbag.
"In normal circumstances you would make a claim against the other party's compulsory third-party (CTP) cover. But if you have repeatedly ignored the recall and continue to drive an unsafe vehicle, then the CTP insurer of the responsible vehicle may refuse to compensate you for the injuries."
“In such situations the insurer could argue your inaction over the airbag recall has caused or contributed to any injuries suffered in the accident. There's really no excuse for putting this off because your life or the lives of your passengers could really depend on it," he said
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If you would like to share the ACCC's story on your business page to warn your customers here's the link.