2006-16 Volkswagen Crafter Takata recall initiated
More than 2000 vans have been called back for a combination of replacement driver and passenger inflators.
Volkswagen has recalled the 2006-2016 Crafter van in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, to have a combination of driver and passenger Takata airbag inflators replaced.
As with all Takata recalls, vehicles in the campaign are fitted with airbag inflator propellant that, when exposed to a combination of heat and humidity, can degrade.
If vehicles with an affected inflator are involved in an accident, there's a risk shrapnel can shoot into the cabin, putting the driver and passenger at risk of injury or death.
A total of 1347 vans are included in the driver's airbag recall, and a further 884 are part of the passenger inflator campaign.
Volkswagen will contact owners of the affected vehicles and advise them to organise a free replacement airbag with their nearest dealer.
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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