Nissan takes Takata recall to Top End

NISSAN has taken its Takata recall responsibilities to some of the most remote corners of the country, recently deploying mechanics to the Torres Strait Islands in Far North Queensland to help replace the potentially defective airbag inflators.

 

When the federal government announced in February that it would make the Takata recall compulsory, rules stipulated that manufacturers must make arrangements for replacements when an affected customer’s vehicle is located on an island or more than 250km from an official dealership or authorised repairer.

 

As such, Nissan has recruited mechanics from R&R Motors on Thursday Island to carry out the remote recalls, travelling to Saibai, Yam, Warraber, Kubin and Boigu Islands, the latter of which is located just 15km south of Papua New Guinea.

 

Five vehicles in total were repaired over the course of the day, which started and finished on Horn Island, just off the northernmost coast of Cape York.

 

The affected vehicles in the Torres Strait Islands are of particular importance, as faulty Takata airbags are more prone to rupture and causing injury in hot and humid conditions, where moisture can enter the airbag and corrode its metal components, making them more likely to fracture and be shot into the cabin.

 

To date, Nissan has rectified 49,042 vehicles, translating to 20.0 per cent of its total affected vehicles. A total of 227,000 airbags have been replaced, however many replacements used like-for-like Takata units and, as such, will require another replacement under ACCC regulations.

 

Nissan began its recall program in 2013 and aims to rectify all of its 245,376 affected vehicles by December 31, 2020, which is the timeframe dictated by the ACCC and federal government.

 

The company told GoAuto that there have so far been many other instances where it has been forced to think outside the box with recall solutions, such as towing cars to dealerships or engaging local mechanics to treat vehicles garaged in remote locations.

 

Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester said carrying out the replacements was of utmost importance to the brand.

 

“Nissan will not rest until every last recalled Takata airbag is replaced,” he said. “I hope our commitment to the Australian Islands in the Torres Strait shows the lengths that Nissan will go to to get the job done.”

 

The brand has sent out nearly 890,000 forms of communication to owners affected by the recall, however those unsure of whether their vehicle is subject to a recall can check www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au or text the word ‘Takata’ to 0487 AIRBAG.

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram