Airbag safety recall

Does your vehicle have a Takata airbag fitted? You may need to get your airbag replaced.

In February 2018, an Australia wide compulsory safety recall for some Takata branded airbags was initiated by the Commonwealth Government's Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Under the compulsory recall, all identified defective Takata airbags in Australian vehicles had to be replaced by 31 December 2020.

Check if your vehicle’s airbag is recalled

Vehicle manufacturers have a full listing of all the vehicles in Australia affected by the recall.

You can check if your airbag is on the recall list by searching your vehicle model using one of the following options:

• Contact your vehicle manufacturer or visit their website.
• Product Safety Australia website
• Is my airbag safe website.

Vehicles on the recall list

If your vehicle is on the active recall list, get in contact with your vehicle manufacturer or local dealership as soon as you can. They will assist in making a time to have your airbag replaced.

Ensure your contact details are up-to-date with the dealer or manufacturer so you can receive information regarding your recall or if your car is on the future recall list.

When your airbag has been replaced, manufacturers will update the status of your vehicle but there may be a 2 week delay. If you are unsure if your vehicle has been updated after this time, contact the manufacturer.

Read more information about the Takata airbag recall on the Product Safety website.

What is the Department of Transport and Main Roads doing to assist with the compulsory recall?

The department has been assisting vehicle manufacturers and the ACCC to ensure defective airbags are replaced by taking a risk-based approach.

Initially, the department focussed on higher risk or critical airbag vehicles as categorised by manufacturers. The department wrote to vehicle owners giving them a number of opportunities / warnings to replace their higher risk, defective airbags. If no action was taken by vehicle owners, the department ultimately cancelled the registration of these vehicles. This process was completed in 2020.

The department is now taking action against the balance of the Takata fleet which is subject to the compulsory recall.

Vehicles owners who have failed to replace defective airbags can expect to receive a courtesy letter and ultimately, if you do not have the airbag replaced, you too can expect to have your registration cancelled.

Remember you are not only putting your life at risk, but you are also risking the lives of any passengers in your vehicle if you continue to drive with faulty airbags. That is why it is so important to have your airbag replaced.