The ACCC is warning Australian consumers about a new safety risk in using certain vehicles fitted with a different type of faulty Takata airbag.
These airbags are fitted with a NADI 5-AT propellant and are not captured under the existing compulsory recall of Takata airbags.
The ACCC says there is a serious safety risk with these NADI airbags, which may cause metal fragments to propel out of the airbag at high speed and cause serious injuries or death to vehicle occupants.
Audi and BMW have already begun voluntary recalls of affected vehicles, and the ACCC is calling on other suppliers to take urgent action.
Around 78,000 vehicles manufactured by Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Toyota between 1996 and 2000 are fitted with the NADI 5-AT inflators in Australia.
“Even though full details and appropriate remedies are still being worked out by the manufacturers, we are issuing this warning now to urge people not to use their car if it is affected by this potentially deadly airbag,” ACCC chair Rod Sims says.
It is likely that a number of affected vehicles are still registered and in use.
Safety authorities in Australia have received reports of three incidents involving these suspected airbags in Australia, involving a serious injury and a fatality in separate accidents involving BMW vehicles, and another accident involving a non-BMW vehicle.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development has been in discussions with Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Toyota representatives since November to finalise satisfactory terms of voluntary recalls by these suppliers.
Drivers of affected vehicles should be aware of the safety risk and consider other transport options.
“If you have concerns, please contact your vehicle manufacturer,” Sims says.
BMW owners can contact BMW to arrange for their vehicle to be towed for inspection.
Audi, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Toyota have all agreed to consider providing urgent short-term assistance for consumers experiencing hardship over the Christmas period.
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