Occupied Cyprus “transport minister” Erhan Arikli announced Monday motorists have until end-June 2027 to replace potentially faulty Takata airbags.
Takata airbags “cause accidents worldwide, injuries, deaths- not just TRNC,” Arikli stated, noting occupied’s higher discussion due to Japanese car prevalence, recall implementation barriers from non-recognition, and explosion risk from hot climate.
Vehicle owners (2000-2019 models) must check chassis numbers online or via manufacturer sites to identify at-risk cars.
Certificate or road ban
Contact an authorised dealer or the “transport authority” in occupied Cyprus with the vehicle’s chassis number to arrange the Takata replacement. Once the Takata airbag is replaced, the dealer or traffic department will issue the relevant certificate.
Vehicles lacking certificates face road ban after 30 June 2027.
Takata fault occurs in high heat/humidity: airbags explode violently, shooting metal inflator toward occupants, causing injury/death.
Cyprus fatality precedents
Three Cyprus deaths linked to Takata airbags:
- Turkish national Ali Osman Bayram (26), occupied Cyprus last year
- Greek Cypriots Styliani Giorgalli, Kyriakos Oxinos
- Alexandros Lougos endured 21 facial surgeries post-2017 accident.
The Cyprus Republic recalled 80,000+ cars (Feb 2025 deadline by Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades), immobilising non-compliant vehicles from October 2025.
Spring committee report holds four ex-transport ministers (2013-2023) – Efthymios Flourentzou, Marios Demetriades, Vasiliki Anastasiadou, Yiannis Karousos – “heavy responsibility.”
Source: Cyprus Mail
Also read: Vehicle license renewal starts today – deadline & fine details
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