Safety is crucial when it comes to owning a car. Whether you have purchased a brand new or a second-hand car it is important to ensure that everything is working correctly and that you are provided with the highest level of safety that you can from the car. In recent years there have been concerns over the safety of a particular airbag which has resulted in many cars needing to have these airbags replaced for the safety of those in the car. The Takata airbag recall effected millions of cars across a number of brands. Was yours an effected car?
What is the recall?
The recall effects cars that have a particular type of Takata airbag installed in them and that were manufactured across varying years, depending on the make and model of the car. The airbag that needs to be replaced is the Takata Alpha airbag, so not all of the Takata airbags are included in the recall just this particular model.
The reason behind the recall is that it has been found that the airbags are not suitable for use and can cause injury or even death if they are deployed. Rather than working on a case-by-case basis when one deploys and causes injury, the various car companies decided it was in the best interests of the public to remove these airbags from the cars before any further issues arose.
Do I have to get it replaced?
If you have not had any issues with your airbag or know anyone that has, that doesn’t mean that you should just leave it be. Many of the cars manufacturers including Subaru had already initiated a recall and requested that people bring their cars in to have the airbags replaced. The Australian Government has now made it a mandatory recall, meaning that you have to bring your car in to have it replaced, no matter what.
How much will it cost?
Because this recall is due to there being an error with the car itself, there is no cost for you to have the alpha airbags replaced. All you need to do is to book into your local dealership or licensed mechanic, explain the reason you would like to come in and they can organise the replacement for you. Because of the large number of cars that have needed the recall, you may find yourself needing to wait a little while for an appointment, but be patient.
How do I know if my car is included in the recall?
The list of cars that are included is extensive. Unfortunately, there is not just one make and model that it covers, making it a little harder to track. If you own a Subaru and are not sure whether or not your car is included in the recall, give a call to a local car mechanic and they can find out for you.
The easiest way to determine whether your car is included is by checking the VIN number against the register of included cars. If you check the VIN number it is a lot quicker and easier than having to check through the make, model, and year of the car.
Getting your airbags replaced if they have the faulty Alpha airbags in them is a task that you should put to the top of your to-do list. Rather than assuming you will be alright and letting it go, get them replaced and give your family the better chance at safety when they are in your car.
For more information about the recall, the current class action that is happening, and to search whether your car is included in the recall visit the below link directly from Subaru.