Concerns have been raised about Takata airbags, which are believed to be responsible for at least one fatal incident in Cyprus and are currently under investigation for another fatality and a serious driver injury. The issue resurfaced after the mother of the late Kyriakos appeared before the parliamentary Trade Committee, where it was revealed that thousands of vehicles in Cyprus are equipped with these specific airbags, with many vehicle owners unaware of this fact.
Recently, several online platforms have circulated, allowing car owners to check if their vehicles are fitted with Takata airbags. Speaking on the show Proinadiko on Radio Proto, the Director of the Department of Road Transport (DoRT) explained that the DoRT had sent a letter to all car dealerships in Cyprus, requesting the provision of websites where vehicle owners can verify if their vehicles are affected, especially for cars from European countries. Owners of vehicles from non-European countries should contact Cypriot dealerships directly for guidance on how to determine if they have Takata airbags.
“With a single phone call to the dealership, they will provide this information. Many Cypriot dealerships include information about Takata airbags on their websites and direct users to relevant pages,” he added.
The DoRT Director noted that there are two categories of affected vehicles:
- Vehicles purchased new in Cyprus from authorised dealerships: For these vehicles, the EU has an information network provided by the manufacturer. Recalls for such vehicles are published on the Rapex/Safety Gate website. This approval and information network also covers vehicles from the UK.
- Vehicles from non-European countries: The problem lies here, as the manufacturer may not be in the information network of the Cypriot dealership, meaning that recall information may not reach the vehicle owner. In this case, the most reliable method is to call the dealership for guidance.
Replacement for both categories is free of charge. Dealerships will track the serial number to initiate the replacement process. While some companies may charge for this service, they claim it covers the communication process with the manufacturer, according to the DoRT Director.
The Director explained that Takata, which ceased operations in 2018, held 20% of the global market share. “These airbags impact all brands and models, affecting specific Takata batches rather than all Takata airbags,” he explained.
“There is a lack of information and a significant gap. Imported vehicles from various countries contribute to this gap, which cannot be bridged instantly. Efforts are being made, but we see only partial progress. Other European countries invest in public awareness campaigns to encourage people to check if their vehicle has been recalled,” Mr Louka concluded.
