Distributors and dealers are likely to have their phones busier than usual this morning.
Consumer affairs show Fair Go last night struck on the ongoing Takata airbag saga, questioning the pace of the recall — particularly how long it is taking for vehicles to be repaired.
It focussed on one case, of a Toyota Corolla. It had been more than a year waiting for parts – although these were interestingly found by Toyota New Zealand as soon as Fair Go stepped into the case.
Fair Go noted an exact number of vehicles involved in the recall here could not be confirmed, but estimated it at in excess of 300,000. The number is difficult to track due to used imports.
It also noted a number had been repaired already — Honda has replaced 40,000 airbag inflators, Toyota 8200, Nissan 5909, BMW 2300, Fiat Chrysler 200 and Subaru 300.
Motor Industry Association chief executive David Crawford appeared, noting no one has been killed or injured in New Zealand from the problem, which involves metal shards being ejected from the airbag assembly. He also noted the issue mostly occurs in hot and humid climates.
But, he admitted the risk remains.
“They are not free from risk,” Crawford said. “The airbags will probably operate perfectly OK, but we can’t guarantee it with the ones that have got a Takata inflator.”
“A very small number have exploded, people have been injured, some people have been killed, reportedly from faulty airbag inflators, going off during an accident, so that is why we are replacing them.”
The process is likely to take a further two to three years – in the context that it involves 40 million vehicles worldwide needing new parts manufactured for them.
“Our advice is to continue to drive safely, cause if you drive safely you are not going to have an accident, you are not going to set the airbag off.
“It is a very challenging message to sell,” he admitted.
The NZ Transport Agency has made a statement that it is aware of the recall and sees no immediate safety risk.
Both the Recalls.govt.nz website and NZTA.govt.nz website struggled under the weight of inquiry following the show.
It also suggested contacting the dealer or distributor for more information.
You can watch the show HERE .
