Millions of vehicles have been recalled since airbag supplier Takata Corporation started issuing notices to more than 20 carmakers, and the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa has now reminded local motorists to check their vehicles.
The recalls date back to 2013, after a series of vehicle injuries and deaths in the United States were traced to Takata’s airbags, leading to a recall of over 42 million cars.
Initial investigations uncovered defects in the airbag inflators and airbags manufactured at Takata’s Monclova Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.
It was determined that the defect was caused by mishandling of explosive propellants and improperly stored chemicals used in airbags.
As a result, propellants would become destabilised and volatile, causing the faulty airbags to rupture and explode without warning, injuring occupants.
In 2014, the manufacturer stated that it believed there was also a risk of moisture and humidity soaking into the airbags, creating further problems with the already faulty system.
By 2024, over 100 million vehicle recalls from more than 20 carmakers have been issued as brands struggle to rectify Takata’s airbag manufacturing errors.
The manufacturer had already filed for bankruptcy by 2017 due to owing compensation that far exceeded its means.
Since then, countries around the world, including South Africa, have continued to issue recalls for vehicles potentially fitted with Takata airbags.
Determining which vehicles are affected has been difficult, with faulty airbags installed potentially as far back as 1998 and Takata failing to maintain accurate quality control records.
Now, however, the AA in South Africa has reminded motorists that a recall only works if affected motorists act.
“If you own a Toyota, Honda, BMW, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep, Chrysler, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, Chevrolet, Jaguar & Land Rover, this message is for you,” it said in a post on Facebook.
“This month, visit your nearest authorised dealership for a free Takata airbag inspection. If your vehicle is affected, the airbag will be replaced at no cost.”
It urged South African motorists to determine whether their vehicles have been fitted with faulty airbags and have these replaced to ensure safety on local roads.
Further setbacks for a bankrupt auto giant
Earlier this year, Takata’s local branch, Takata South Africa (SA), saw its leave to appeal a Competition Appeal Court (CAC) ruling rejected.
In 2018, the Competition Commission referred the Japanese Takata Corporation and its local subsidiary to the Tribunal for prosecution on 21 instances of collusive conduct.
Allegations included, among others, price-fixing, market division, and collusive tendering, with Takata SA excepted from all 21 referrals because each referral failed to disclose a cause of action.
The exceptions were later dismissed by the Tribunal, which prompted the local subsidiary to lodge several appeals that were heard by the Constitutional Court.
In its most recent attempt, the company approached the Constitutional Court seeking leave to appeal a CAC ruling handed down on 16 January 2025.
This appeal was rejected with costs in December last year, a decision which pleased the Competition Commission.
In a recent statement, it said that it welcomed the court’s decision to reject Takata South Africa’s application.
“The Commission expects the case against Takata SA to be heard on the merits by the Tribunal in due course,” it said at the time.
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