MBOMBELA – More than 20 million cars worldwide are being recalled to ensure all vehicles fitted with faulty Takata air bags are made safe.
Locally, the manufacturers listed by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) as being affected by the Takata air bag recalls are Honda, Mazda and Toyota.
To date, of all of the crashes involving cars fitted with Takata air bags, a total of 10 people worldwide (nine in America) have been confirmed to have died because of the defective air bags, while a further 140 injuries have been recorded.
“If you own a vehicle produced by one of the manufacturers listed above, it is important that you contact them with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if you are affected or not. Even if you have done this in the past, we suggest motorists do it again, as the list of vehicles affected is expanding. You may not have been on the list before but may be on it now,” said the AA.
The recall of vehicles fitted with Takata air bags has again made headlines locally and internationally. The Automobile Association (AA) has received a number of queries from the public regarding the Takata air bag recalls, and the implications for motorists in South Africa.
“Our first message to all motorists in vehicles fitted with these air bags is not to panic but to nonetheless take the safety recall very seriously. Millions of cars around the world have been fitted with Takata air bags, and manufacturers are recalling these vehicles to replace the defective parts,” the AA said.
The problem relates to defective air bag inflators on driver and passenger side air bags. This means that should these air bags deploy, they have the potential to cause serious injuries or death. We are not aware of any local incidents involving Takata air bags.
“Manufacturers will have sent letters directly to customers, and will have processes in place to deal with this issue. But do not wait, this is your safety, be proactive. We trust all owners will receive expert guidance if they contact the manufacturers directly,” the AA concluded.
