2013/14 Volkswagen Up! added to Takata recall

The 2013/14 Volkswagen Up! has joined the long (and ever-growing) list of cars caught in the mandatory Takata airbag recall, with 2295 micro cars called back for fresh inflators.

As with all Takata recalls, affected vehicles are fitted with airbag inflator propellant that can degrade when exposed to heat and humidity. If a car with a faulty inflator is involved in an accident, there's a chance the metal inflator housing could explode under too much internal pressure, sending metal fragments flying into the cabin.

This puts the driver and other occupants at risk of serious injury or death.

A total of 2295 cars are included in the recall, sold between June 20, 2012 and January 1, 2015. A VIN list is attached here.

Volkswagen will contact owners of the affected vehicles and advise them to get in touch with their nearest dealer for a free replacement.

The Takata airbag recall affects more than 100 million vehicles and nearly 20 automotive brands around the world.

Globally, there have been 20 deaths linked to the scandal, and 230 serious injuries. One Australian motorist lost their life to a faulty Takata airbag in July 2017, one month after another Australian driver was seriously injured.

In February 2018, the recall of vehicles affected by the faulty Takata airbags was made compulsory under law, with affected manufacturers required to replace all defective airbags by the end of 2020. The ACCC earlier this year added some 1.1 million vehicles to the compulsory recall.

According to the Australian Government, the risk of a defective Takata airbag rupturing may arise between 6 and 25 years after it is installed in a vehicle. In areas of high heat and humidity, the risk of rupture may arise between 6 and 9 years.

Concerned owners can check if their vehicle needs a new inflator at www.IsMyAirbagSafe.com.au.

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