Australia to recall 2.3 mn vehicles over faulty airbags

Sydney Feb 28 (IANS) Australia on Wednesday ordered a compulsory recall of 2.3 million vehicles over a possible defect in their airbag systems installed by Japanese company Takata that has caused the death of 20 people worldwide.

According to the Australian government at least one person died in the country after the system had exploded at the time of activation Efe reported.

"It s the safety of all Australians which is the first priority of this government " said Michael Sukkar Assistant Minister to the Treasurer adding that previous voluntary recalls have been ineffective.

The compulsory recall will require vehicle manufacturers dealers importers and other suppliers to locate and replace the Takata airbags as quickly as possible.

It will apply to vehicles of the brands identified earlier - Toyota Mazda Honda BMW Chrysler Lexus Mitsubishi Nissan Subaru among others - and adds more than half a dozen manufacturers like Ford GM Holden Mercedes Benz Tesla Jaguar Land Rover Volkswagen Audi and Skoda.

Sukkar also ordered the manufacturers to replace the units for free within two years prioritizing airbags that were older and have been exposed to heat and humidity longer.

--IANS
ahm/bg