Mitsubishi Australia is urging almost 17,000 registered owners with vehicles containing Takata airbags to have them replaced immediately.

Since the start of the Takata airbag recall in 2015, Mitsubishi dealers have replaced 203,000 faulty Takata airbag inflators, but Mitsubishi has said there are still almost 17,000 Mitsubishi vehicle owners who haven’t had their airbags fixed.

In a statement, Mitsubishi Australia boss, John Signoriello, said the owners of the vehicles to be fixed had been contacted multiple times and he urged them to contact their local Mitsubishi dealer to have the airbag inflators replaced.

“The recall is at no cost to owners and should not be ignored, too many people have been injured or killed here in Australia and overseas for this issue not to be taken seriously,” said Signoriello.

“The safety of our customers is our highest priority and we know that while the majority of our customers have acted on the notifications we have sent them, some still ignore the multiple letters, emails, calls and personal visits we have made to ask them to let us replace their faulty airbags.”

“As vehicles get older, the risks grow. It’s critical we get these airbags off the road – it could save lives.”

“We are committed to replacing all of the faulty Takata airbags in Australia but we know some owners are not taking action and we continue to seek the support of the State and Territory Governments to expand the registration restrictions some have introduced to include all faulty Takata airbags,” said Mr Signoriello. 

“I urge all customers who have received a letter regarding this recall to not be complacent and act now to get the part replaced.”

Takata airbag recalls first commenced in 2009 and has since expanded to include the majority of automotive manufacturers worldwide. There have been 26 deaths around the world attributed to Takata airbags either via their failure to deploy in a collision or their premature firing due to degradation of the inflator causing metal shards to shoot through the cabin of the vehicle.

Drivers can check if their vehicle is affected:

Check if the vehicle is subject to the recall by submitting your registration number at https://ismyairbagsafe.com.au/ or the VIN of your Mitsubishi Motors vehicle at https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/customer-assistance/vehicle-recalls

Any authorised dealer can check and confirm if a vehicle is affected. Alternatively, drivers can call 1800 931 811