Posted on January 8th, 2020

Share this blog

The Takata Airbag Recall – What You Need to Know

Recently, a compulsory recall for Takata Airbags has been issued in Australia by the Hon Michael Sukkar, the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer. Drivers should check if their motor vehicle contains a faulty Takata Airbag immediately. Here’s a detailed read on the Takata Airbag Recall and what you, as a car owner, should do.

Over Three Million Vehicles in Australia Might Be Affected

Following a safety investigation by the ACCC, all vehicles containing defective airbags must be recalled immediately.

The recall is the world’s largest automotive recall, estimated to affect 100 million vehicles around the world and over 3 million in Australia.

Over Sixteen Brands Have Been Affected by The Takata Airbag Recall

Many well-known Automotive Brands have been affected by the recalls, including:

• Toyota
• Honda
• Mazda
• Mitsubishi
• Holden
• Ford
• Nissan
• Mercedes
• Subaru
• BMW
• Chrysler
• Jeep
• Lexus
• Saab
• Opel
• Tesla

Why Vehicles Containing Takata Airbags are Being Recalled

The ACCC has found that it has found reasonable evidence that Takata Airbags may cause injury to drivers and passengers, and one or more suppliers have not taken satisfactory action to prevent these injuries.

The Takata Airbag has been linked to 29 deaths and over 320 injuries worldwide, with at least one death and one serious injury reported in Australia.

A defect in Takata Airbags has meant that as the airbag ages and is exposed to high temperatures, it may be triggered and deployed with too much force, causing fragments to shoot out and hit vehicle occupants, injuring or even killing them.

What Should Drivers Do?

The first thing to do is check if your vehicle contains a defective Takata Airbag. You can do this by visiting the Takata Airbag Recalls List online. You can either scroll down to see if your vehicle is listed or search for it by make, model or year.

and enter your number plate and state/territory.

If your vehicle has an infected Takata Airbag, you are urged to contact the supplier of the vehicle who will also provide instructions on their website to assist customers. It should be noted that a supplier is the company who manufactured the vehicle.

Will It Cost Drivers to Replace their Airbag?

Airbags will be replaced for drivers and owners immediately at no cost to the consumer. Please contact your vehicle’s supplier to find out more.

1. Understanding the Alpha vs. Beta Airbags

Many Australians aren’t aware that there are two categories of risk.

• Alpha Airbags: These are the most dangerous. They were installed in certain models from 2001–2004 and have a 50% chance of misfiring in a crash. If your car has an Alpha airbag, you should stop driving it immediately.

• Beta Airbags: These also require replacement but are considered lower risk than Alphas. However, as they age, the risk level increases, making immediate replacement vital.

2. Consumer Rights: What You Are Owed

Under the compulsory recall, you have specific protections under Australian Consumer Law:

• Free Replacement: The manufacturer must replace the faulty airbag with a safe one at no cost to you.

• Towing & Loan Cars: If your car is an “Alpha” risk, the manufacturer is often required to arrange for the car to be towed to the dealership or provide a mobile technician. In some cases, you may even be entitled to a loan vehicle or transport stickers while yours is being fixed.

• Second-hand Buyers: Even if you didn’t buy the car from a dealer, the recall still applies to you. The manufacturer is obligated to fix the vehicle regardless of how many owners it has had.

3. What Happens If a Car is Unrepairable?

In some rare instances, parts may no longer be available for very old models. If a manufacturer cannot fix your vehicle, they may be required to offer a buyback or a refund based on the vehicle’s current market value.

4. Selling a Recalled Car to a Car Removal Service

If you have an older vehicle that has been flagged for a recall and you no longer wish to deal with the repair process, selling it to a professional service is a viable option.

• Transparency: Always inform the buyer about the recall status.

• Eco-Friendly Disposal: Professional wreckers like Cash for Car Removal ensure that faulty airbags are deployed safely and the vehicle is recycled according to Australian environmental standards, preventing dangerous parts from entering the second-hand market.

Cash Car Removal – Your Trusted Cash for Cars Service

Cash Car Removal is Sydney’s trusted Car Removal team, offering honest Instant Cash for Cars deals and quick service to those looking to sell their damaged, old, wrecked or unwanted vehicle.

Contact us today at 1300 690 880

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still sell my car if it has a Takata recall notice?

Yes. While it may be difficult to sell to a private buyer, we buy vehicles with active recalls. We handle the safe removal and ensure the car is processed according to safety standards.

2. How do I check if my car is affected by the recall?

You can check your vehicle’s status by visiting the official Australian recall website or by texting “TAKATA” to the industry’s safety number. You will need your VIN or registration number.

3. Will the airbag recall lower the value of my car?

If you sell to a scrap or removal service like ours, the impact is minimal. We value your car based on its scrap metal and salvageable parts, ensuring you still get a competitive price.

4. Why should I use a removal service instead of fixing it?

For many older vehicles, the time and logistics of getting to a dealer for a replacement aren’t worth it—especially if the car has other mechanical issues. We offer a “buy it as-is” solution that is much faster.

5. Is the towing really free for recalled cars?

Absolutely. We offer free Cash Car Removals throughout Sydney. We bring the tow truck to you and pay you on the spot, so you never have to risk driving an unsafe car.

6. What happens to the car after you pick it up?

We are licensed wreckers. We dismantle the vehicle, safely dispose of hazardous components like the faulty airbag inflator, and recycle the metal and other parts in an eco-friendly manner.