Over 90,000 cars with deadly Takata airbags are still on Australian roads.

The ACCC has released new figures highlighting the locations with the most airbags yet to be replaced.

While more than 3.7 million affected airbags have already been replaced in 2.71 million Australian vehicles, there are still over 107,000 airbags in more than 90,000 cars remaining.

The Takata airbag recall is the world’s largest automotive recall, affecting an estimated 100 million vehicles globally.

Over 46,000 of the remaining cars are in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, particularly in the outer suburbs. There also significant numbers of outstanding airbags across the other capital cities.

“These airbags are very dangerous and have the potential to explode with too much force, even in minor accidents, sending sharp metal fragments into the vehicle at high speed, potentially killing or seriously injuring its occupants,” says ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard.

Takata airbags affected by the compulsory recall use a chemical called phase-stabilised ammonium nitrate (PSAN).

The ACCC’s investigations have concluded that certain types of Takata PSAN airbags have a design defect which may cause the airbag to deploy with too much explosive force so that sharp metal fragments shoot out into vehicle occupants.

There have been more than 330 injuries and 30 deaths reported worldwide, with one death and three injuries in Australia, including one serious injury. 

Under the recall, owners are entitled to have their faulty Takata airbags replaced free of charge. Owners should check if their airbag is affected by entering their number plate and state or territory at ismyairbagsafe.com.au, or by texting ‘TAKATA’ to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224).

While more than 3.7 million affected airbags have already been replaced in 2.71 million Australian vehicles, there are still over 107,000 airbags in more than 90,000 cars remaining.

“We are concerned about the disproportionate number of outstanding airbags in some communities, including those from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, where there has been less take up of the free replacement service,” Ms Rickard said.

“Manufacturers have found it difficult to reach owners in these communities who may not have been as responsive to the warnings and notices sent to them, calls, text messages or in the case of critical vehicles, in person visits, urging them to get their airbags replaced.”