{"id":297,"date":"2015-08-26T09:27:32","date_gmt":"2015-08-25T21:27:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vinz.co.nz\/?p=297"},"modified":"2017-01-11T14:43:44","modified_gmt":"2017-01-11T01:43:44","slug":"airbagrecall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vinz.co.nz\/news\/airbagrecall\/","title":{"rendered":"Airbag recall"},"content":{"rendered":"

Background <\/strong><\/p>\n

Since 2013, a number of vehicle manufacturers have initiated recalls to replace frontal airbags manufactured by Takata.<\/p>\n

This is due to a risk of the release of metal shrapnel from the airbag inflator unit on use.<\/p>\n

Due to the number of affected vehicles and hold-up in the supply of replacement parts, there have been delays to recalls being completed.<\/p>\n

The NZ Transport Agency has been made aware of a practice in Japan where front passenger airbags have been disconnected as an interim measure pending the availability of parts needed to carry out the recall on the vehicle.<\/p>\n

The disconnection process involves fitting an electronic component to simulate the presence of the airbag so that the warning light operates as normal. A number of vehicles with disconnected airbags have already been imported into New Zealand and registered in this condition.<\/p>\n

Where vehicles with disconnected airbags can be positively identified without dismantling the vehicle interior, this information must be taken into account in carrying out the WoF inspection.<\/p>\n

Actions required<\/strong><\/p>\n

For all used Toyota and Mazda vehicles imported from Japan and first registered in New Zealand from 1 January 2015, the registration plate must be checked at www.rightcar.govt.nz\/recalls<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If the vehicle is identified as having a disconnected passenger airbag, the vehicle will not be issued a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) until evidence is provided that it has been reconnected.<\/p>\n

This evidence must take the form of a letter or invoice from a motor vehicle dealer, or from a Transport Agency-appointed vehicle inspector (such as a repair certifier, entry certifier or WoF inspector), confirming that the airbag recall has been completed for the vehicle or that the airbag has been reconnected.<\/p>\n

VINZ recommends<\/strong><\/p>\n