Australians have now made more than six million vehicle checks on the automotive industry’s Takata Airbag recall website www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au.
In checking these six million vehicles, they have identified more than 915,000 vehicles whose airbag inflators are affected by the safety recall.
A faulty Takata airbag has the potential to seriously injure, or even kill, vehicle drivers and passengers.
The innovative website was developed for the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries in response to a compulsory national recall called by the Australian Government. Its launch has been supported by an extensive “Don’t Die Wondering” national advertising campaign including television, press, radio, cinema, outdoor billboards and social media.
“This is an excellent response to a major public safety campaign. We passed the six million inquiry mark at the weekend,” FCAI Chief Executive Mr Tony Weber said. “There has been an average of more than 32,000 vehicle checks made every day since the website was launched six months ago.”
Mr Weber said the industry had completed rectification of nearly two-thirds of the three million vehicles that are affected by the national recall.
“Our members will not rest until they have completed the whole job,” he said. “They are doing everything they can to reach out to owners of affected vehicles – every working day, they are writing, telephoning, emailing and door-knocking.”
Mr Weber urged vehicle owners in every state and territory to continue to actively use the website or text the word TAKATA to 0487247 224 to check the recall status of their vehicles.
“It’s very easy – simply go to the website and enter your vehicle’s registration plate number and state or territory. Within a few seconds, you will be advised whether your vehicle is affected.”
Once a vehicle was identified, vehicle owners could make arrangements with their brand’s local dealer to have all faulty airbags replaced. The work is free.
Furthermore, it was imperative that vehicle owners responded immediately to any recall communication they received directly from their vehicle’s manufacturer.