An estimated 1.7 million vehicles in South Africa could be fitted with potentially dangerous airbags as part of the largest vehicle safety recall in history.

The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) says the Takata airbag recall affects vehicles across 34 brands, with nearly 10% of vehicles on South African roads potentially affected.

Faulty airbags may deploy unexpectedly and, when inflated, can release solid fragments capable of causing serious or potentially fatal injuries.

Despite ongoing recall campaigns by vehicle manufacturers and importers, the AA says many affected vehicles remain unrepaired.

Replacement is free at authorised dealerships.

Motorists can check their vehicle’s recall status by contacting the AA on
0861 001 323 or submitting their details through the Takata recall section of the AA website.

The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (Sambra) has also urged motorists not to delay if they receive a recall notice.

Modern airbags form part of a vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which uses multiple sensors to assess a collision and determine whether airbags should deploy, which are needed and how forcefully they should inflate.

Sambra national director Juan Hanekom said some systems can respond within 20 to 30 milliseconds of detecting a severe impact.

Their complexity also means collision repairs involve far more than simply replacing a deployed airbag.

Crash sensors, seat belt pretensioners, wiring, control modules and occupant detection systems may need to be inspected, replaced or recalibrated.

“Modern collision repair extends far beyond replacing damaged panels,” said Hanekom.
“It includes restoring sophisticated safety systems that protect occupants during future collisions.”