The Department of Road Transport has announced that from 3 October 2025, the certificates of roadworthiness for vehicles affected by the Takata airbags Cyprus recall will be suspended if the defective airbags have not been replaced.
The recall is part of the largest automotive safety recall in history, affecting tens of millions of vehicles worldwide due to defective inflators that can rupture and cause serious injury or death. In Cyprus, enforcement measures began earlier this year with strict deadlines for owners to comply.
The first wave of suspensions will be applied between 3 and 30 October, with specific dates for each car brand depending on when manufacturers officially notified the Department and vehicle owners.
According to estimates, around 16,900 vehicles- about 20% of the original 81,000 affected- have still not undergone the recall. Toyota accounts for about 5,000 of these and Honda around 2,000. Owners who have not responded will not be granted an extension.
For those who have already booked an appointment in October, they will be allowed to proceed with the replacement by their scheduled date, but no later than 31 October 2025.
The Department stressed that the eight-month deadline was introduced due to the severity of the risk, departing from the standard 18-month framework. The timetable aims to protect public safety, as manufacturers in some cases had even recommended immediate immobilisation of affected vehicles.
Owners have been notified by letter and SMS, while large-scale information campaigns have also been carried out. The Department has urged citizens who cannot reach authorised workshops or secure spare parts to call its hotline for guidance.
Dealers have also been called on to step up efforts to complete the recalls within the set period, with the Transport Ministry reiterating its recommendation not to use vehicles under recall until the faulty airbag has been replaced.
The Takata airbag recall remains one of the most extensive in Cyprus, with authorities underlining that it is a vital safety measure to prevent serious injury or loss of life.
Also read: Takata: Papadouris blasts two companies- “Shame on them”
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