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Tag: vehicle safety

  • Takata airbag — Takata Airbag Recalls Prompt 1,600 Appointments by End of October

    Takata airbag — Takata Airbag Recalls Prompt 1,600 Appointments by End of October

    Approximately 1,600 appointments have been scheduled by 31 October for corrective measures related to Takata airbag recalls, according to Giorgos Louka, Director General of the Road Transport Department.

    The department suspended MOT certificates for vehicles with pending airbag replacement recalls from 3 October, based on the eight-month deadline established under Circular 8/2025 issued in February 2025. Vehicles with appointments scheduled by 31 October received temporary suspension extensions.

    As of 30 September, approximately 16,900 vehicles remained with outstanding recall cases, representing roughly 20 per cent of the original 81,000 affected vehicles. This increase in appointments suggests a notable response from vehicle owners, particularly as Toyota alone arranged an additional 1,300 appointments in recent days.

    Takata airbag: Focus on Affected Vehicles

    Toyota and Honda owners account for 7,000 of the outstanding recall cases. Specifically, Toyota vehicles represent around 5,000 owners who have yet to respond to recall notifications, while Honda owners account for approximately 2,000 vehicles.

    “While Toyota had scheduled around 300 appointments, mobilisation over the past one to two days made it possible to arrange another 1,300 appointments before the deadline expires,” Louka told the Cyprus News Agency. This surge in appointments has prompted the Director General to urge vehicle owners who have not yet acted to do so without delay.

    Importance of Timely Action

    “Recalls are part of everyday life; we as consumers must take care,” Louka stated, emphasising the safety implications of the Takata airbag issue. He called for the public to proceed with corrective measures, recognising the inconvenience yet highlighting the importance of prioritising safety.

    The Road Transport Department has been inundated with calls regarding recall deadlines, prompting Louka to advise vehicle owners to verify the expiration of their eight-month deadline through the department’s website. He stressed the necessity of contacting dealers and manufacturers for all types of recalls, as companies are obligated to keep consumers informed.

    MOT Retesting and Enforcement Policies

    For vehicles whose MOT certificates are suspended due to non-compliance, retesting will be mandated following the completion of the airbag replacement. This requirement adds an additional administrative burden for those who fail to act in a timely manner.

    In terms of enforcement, the police have clarified that they will issue traffic fines for cases involving suspended MOT certificates when immediate immobilisation is not applicable. Officers will also encourage drivers to arrange for repairs, facilitating MOT certificate renewals.

    The police reiterated their commitment to enforcing driving prohibition measures, directing drivers to use tow trucks when vehicles face immediate immobilisation orders or exhibit serious mechanical issues.

  • Pending Takata Recalls Affect Thousands of Vehicles

    Pending Takata Recalls Affect Thousands of Vehicles

    takata recalls — Thousands of Takata recalls are still pending as Cyprus’s road transport department (TOM) reported that over half of the 81,000 vehicles affected have been fitted with replacement airbags. As of last week, 33,000 vehicles remain without the necessary repairs.

    • He emphasised that failure to comply within the specified timeframe would result in automatic removal of the vehicles from circulation, highlighting the urgency of the situation for those affected.

    The figures provided by TOM indicate that the recall process has been slower than anticipated due to the summer holidays, which delayed updates. Among the vehicles still awaiting replacement, 5,000 have been immobilised, rendering them inoperable on the roads. Additionally, 2,000 vehicles have been withdrawn from circulation, which has slightly reduced the number of cars that need urgent attention before the upcoming October deadline.

    In a proactive move, TOM has announced that 15,000 more cars have recently been recalled for the same faulty airbag issue. Owners of these vehicles will have eight months from the notification date to arrange for the necessary repairs to avoid their cars being placed out of circulation.

    TOM has assured that protocols are in place to manage these recalls efficiently, prioritising the immobilised vehicles and those on the initial list due to the approaching deadline. According to TOM, regular updates are received from the involved companies regarding the implementation rates of the recalls.

    Reports from the Cyprus News Agency suggest that several service providers have available slots for repairs, and TOM is encouraging affected car owners to make appointments as soon as possible. Marios Hadjigeorgiou, a TOM officer, reiterated the importance of prompt action during an interview on CyBC radio, urging owners to address the recalls swiftly to avoid complications.

    He emphasised that failure to comply within the specified timeframe would result in automatic removal of the vehicles from circulation, highlighting the urgency of the situation for those affected.