Vehicle recalls for defective Takata airbags are now a regular feature in the media. Manufacturers must do their bit to fix the problems but so must owners, as David Brown reports.
Motor vehicle recalls are increasing and the average number of vehicles in each recall is also increasing on the rise.
In America 30% of vehicles that have had a recall notification remain unrepaired. The percentage is worse for private cars and for older vehicles.
The ACCC web site lists cars with Takarta airbags including some built as far back as 1999.
The problem with Takarta airbags occurs through deterioration over time, especially in hot and humid conditions. The ACCC also has a list of some recent vehicles that will be issued a recall later this year.
Recent reports of dangerous airbag deployments have not always mentioned owner’s failure to promptly reply to a recall request.