Summary: Faulty airbags are endangering the lives of New Zealand drivers and their passengers, part of a problem affecting 100 million cars worldwide. A voluntary recall was announced in 2013 but so far barely one-third of affected cars have had airbags replaced. Last government announced the compulsory recall of 50,000 cars fitted with Takata's most dangerous Alpha-type airbags. This requires suppliers to contact owners and replace all of these airbags by no later than December 2019 or face penalties of up to $600,000. Meanwhile, a ban on the import of all new and used cars fitted with these airbags comes into force next month. In the past week 250,000 people have visited the website set up to help consumers check if their car is one of those affected, and the recall has been widened to include more recent Japanese models. Consumer.org.nz's Head of Testing Paul Smith tells us what you need to know to stay safe.
