Urgent warning to drivers over cars 'too dangerous to drive'
Hundreds of thousands of motorists are still driving with potentially deadly Takata airbags and more than 8,000 of these are considered so dangerous they should not be driven at all, according to the latest ACCC figures.
The ACCC warns a significant number of vehicles fitted with a different type of faulty Takata airbag are yet to be remedied.
These vehicles, which are fitted with Takata NADI airbags, are considered so dangerous that manufacturers are offering to buy back the vehicles or to provide a loan vehicle until replacement parts are available.
There have been two deaths and two injuries in Australia resulting from misdeployments of Takata NADI airbags and motorists are being urged to check immediately if their vehicles are fitted with these recalled Takata airbags, as car dealerships are still operating and providing replacement airbags free of charge
“Even during this pandemic, replacing faulty airbags is an essential and potentially life-saving task, especially as vehicles may be being used by essential workers and care-givers,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“Affected Takata airbags can misdeploy and send sharp metal fragments into the vehicle at high speed, and cause serious injury or death to its occupants.”
Globally there have been 29 deaths and over 320 serious injuries reported, including one death and one serious injury in Australia relating to airbags affected by the compulsory recall.
The ACCC has urged drivers to check the Product Safety Australia website to see if their vehicle is affected. If you car is on the list Ms Rickard has warned owners to not drive their vehicles.
“Vehicles with critical airbags should not be driven. Please contact your dealer to arrange for your vehicle to be towed to the place of repair free of charge so you do not have to drive it,” Ms Rickard said.
LandCruisers recalled over combustion fears
An urgent recall has been issued for over 22,000 Toyota LandCruisers over potential combustion fears.
The ACCC warned vegetation may accumulate around the vehicle’s underbody and exhaust system as a result of driving in dry environments.
If the vegetation combusts, there is a risk of fire, which may increase the risk of injury to bystanders or damage to property.
The warning is for all Toyota LandCruiser 70 series sold between 26 October 2016 and 14 February 2020.
Those affected by the recall will be able to seek assistance from all authorised Toyota dealerships where repairs will be undertaken free of charge.
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