Farmers urged to check for faulty airbags

One simple check could save your life – that was the message from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) to farmers and regional dwellers yet to determine whether their vehicles are affected by the global Takata airbag recall.

According to the FCAI, there are currently 734,000 vehicles still requiring faulty airbags to be replaced, and these vehicles include over 24 brands of passenger cars, light trucks and vans.

“Many of these vehicles will be used by farmers and their families travelling long distances every day,” said FCAI chief executive, Tony Weber.

“Others may be older farm vehicles that are only used from time to time.”

“We acknowledge that recalls can be very inconvenient for the farming community given the distances and time taken with trips to town, but we need to be frank. A faulty airbag can seriously injure and even kill.”

To date, there have been 26 reported deaths and more than 300 reported injuries globally attributed to the faulty airbags.

“A faulty airbag can pose a serious danger to vehicle passengers as well as drivers. This includes children regardless of whether they are sitting in the front or the back of a vehicle,” Weber said.

“We have a very simple message for the farming community. Check your car, check your ute, check your four-wheel-drive, check your van. Ask your neighbours and friends if they have checked. No vehicle is too old for checking and all necessary rectification work is free.”

Weber added car manufacturers are keen to work closely with the farming community to locate and rectify affected vehicles.

Farmers can check the recall status of their vehicles by using the Takata Airbag recall website Ismyairbagsafe.com.au. If affected, you should take prompt action to arrange for the rectification of any affected vehicles.

“The farming community can help us to help them by alerting car manufacturers to where many of the older vehicles involved are located," Weber said.

"It’s a simple process – just go to the website and enter your vehicle’s registration and state or territory. You can also check by texting TAKATA to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224)."