Newsroom
Thousands of vehicles in Cyprus may be equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags, as the recall process for these defective products remains incomplete. This alarming issue was highlighted during a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce, where lawmakers gathered to discuss the state’s handling of product recalls and consumer safety.
During the meeting, committee chairman Nikos Sykas of the Democratic Rally (DISY) raised concerns about the safety of citizens, noting that many cars on the roads have not yet been recalled for airbag replacements. He emphasized that the lack of effective control and confusion among state services is putting drivers at risk, particularly regarding Takata airbags, which have been linked to serious injuries and fatalities.
Sykas called on relevant ministries to establish a comprehensive detection and control process to address this urgent safety concern.
AKEL MP Kostas Kostas expressed frustration over the situation, highlighting a recent death attributed to a defective airbag. He criticized the Department of Road Transport (DOT) for failing to communicate effectively with car owners about the status of their airbags. According to DOT data, there have been 55,000 airbag recalls over the past decade, yet about 15,000 cases remain unresolved, leaving approximately 12,000 vehicles in Cyprus still using Takata airbags that need replacement.
Kostas reported complaints from car owners who have been charged fees for inspections, despite assurances that such checks would be free of charge. He stressed that the government has a responsibility to protect citizens from the dangers posed by these defective airbags.
To assist drivers, authorities recommend that vehicle owners check if their cars are affected by the Takata airbag recall. Individuals can visit the official recall website at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if their vehicle requires a recall service. This simple step could save lives by ensuring that potentially dangerous airbags are replaced.
DIKO MP Chrysis Pantelides pointed out that despite existing European directives and harmonized Cypriot legislation, there are significant gaps in the implementation of recall procedures for defective products. He estimated that 10,000 to 12,000 vehicles might have Takata airbags that need to be addressed, and this number could be even higher when including non-EU imports.
Stavros Papadouris from the Ecologists Movement added that there has been little progress since discussions on this issue last year. He proposed the creation of a dedicated website to help consumers check for recalls easily, as many owners have been deterred from replacing their airbags due to inspection fees.
The ongoing airbag recall situation emphasizes the critical need for effective action to address the risks posed by Takata airbags in vehicles across Cyprus. Lawmakers are urging government agencies to take responsibility and ensure that all affected vehicles are recalled and repaired promptly. Vehicle owners are strongly encouraged to check their VIN against the recall database to safeguard their safety and that of their passengers.
