A global recall affecting more than three million vehicles produced by four major Japanese manufacturers includes over 10,000 cars sold in Australia due to concerns regarding airbags.
Locally, Honda seems to be the most impacted, with 9980 cars across three models subject to recall.
Toyota will be recalling 1700 cars, while Mazda’s recall involves 597 vehicles.
The exact number of affected Nissan vehicles is still being confirmed by Nissan Australia.
The recall pertains to vehicles manufactured between 2000 and 2004 due to potential issues with passenger side airbags.
According to Toyota USA, the vehicles were fitted with front passenger airbag inflaters that may have been assembled using improperly manufactured propellant wafers.
In the event of a crash, this could lead to the inflator rupturing and the front passenger airbag deploying abnormally.
Furthermore, abnormal inflation could potentially burn sections of the vehicle’s interior and ignite a fire, as stated by a Toyota spokesman in Japan.
Nevertheless, there have been no reports of such incidents occurring.
The four automakers in Japan have reported a global total of 3.39 million vehicles affected, while Japan’s transport ministry indicated that the number might reach 2.92 million, without providing an explanation for the difference.
Toyota anticipates recalling over 1.7 million vehicles, Honda expects more than 1.1 million, Nissan is forecasting about 480,000, and Mazda estimates over 45,000 vehicles will be recalled.
The airbags involved in this recall were manufactured by Takata Corporation, based in Tokyo.
Honda Australia indicated that the affected models include the Civic sedan from 2001 to 2003, the CR-V from 2002 to 2003, and the Jazz model from 2003.
Toyota mentioned that the recall impacts Corolla and Avensis Verso models produced between 2000 and 2004.
Those vehicles will undergo inspection, and if necessary, the airbag inflater will be replaced at no charge.
Mazda Australia’s recall pertains specifically to the first generation Mazda 6 manufactured between 2002 and 2003.
