Car distributors exploiting drivers with fees on airbag recalls

Lawmakers are taking aim at two car distributors accused of charging administrative fees for replacing recalled airbags, calling the practice “obscene” and “exploitative.”

During discussions in the parliamentary transport committee, MPs expressed outrage that vehicle owners who were not direct customers of these distributors were being charged up to €160 for airbag replacements—costs that other importers are providing for free. Some lawmakers are now pushing for immediate intervention to stop the charges and will summon the Consumer Protection Agency to explain why it sided with the companies.

Millions in Charges Spark Public Outcry

MP Stavros Papadouris, one of the most vocal critics, slammed the two companies, accusing them of profiting from a serious safety issue. Speaking on RIK radio, he revealed that while 11 of Cyprus’ 13 car distributors are handling the recall without any charges, these two have chosen to impose fees.

“One company has 30,000 cars under recall and is charging €160 per vehicle,” Papadouris said. “That’s nearly €4.6 million in revenue—money made off a public safety crisis.”

Papadouris also suggested that if these companies refuse to handle airbag replacements for non-customers fairly, they should allow independent mechanics to take over the process instead.

Consumer Protection Agency Under Fire

MPs also took issue with the Consumer Protection Agency, which backed the distributors' right to charge administrative fees. Lawmaker Nikos Fytiris vowed to challenge this stance in the trade committee next Tuesday.

“They are telling us companies have the right to charge these fees. No, they do not,” Fytiris said. “We will bring in the responsible department and demand answers.”

Fytiris also urged affected drivers not to accept the charges and called on the companies involved to prioritize public safety over profits.

Government Steps In With Free Transport

In response to the growing controversy, the government has approved free public transport for vehicle owners whose cars have been immobilized due to the recall.

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades acknowledged the inconvenience but stressed that authorities are doing everything possible to ensure that affected drivers are informed.

“It’s better to notify someone of a recall even if they’ve already fixed the issue than to risk them driving with a dangerous airbag,” Vafeades said after a Cabinet meeting.

He also confirmed that the government is in ongoing discussions with distributors to speed up the recall process.

“We are looking at how many airbags they have, how many they need, and whether they require additional resources,” he said. “The state is here to support this effort because our priority is public safety.”

With mounting public pressure and political scrutiny, all eyes are now on Parliament and the distributors as Cypriots await a resolution to the controversy.