More Mitsubishis caught up in Takata recall

THERE appears to be no end in sight for the Takata airbag inflator recall with yet more models recalled on Australian soil – this time for a selection of Mitsubishi Lancer sedan and wagon models.

Owners of CH Lancer Sedan and Wagon variants as well as CY and CZ Lancer Evo models, built between June 11, 2003 and December 30, 2008 can expect to hear from Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) in the coming weeks to arrange remedial work.

In total, 59,522 Lancers are effected by the latest round of recalls taking the number of impacted Australian vehicles closer to 900,000 as part of a 30 million-vehicle global recall.

MMAL will contact customers via postal letter after which repair work will be arranged at the customer's convenience to replace the potentially faulty airbag module.

Affected vehicles will have the passenger side airbag inflator replaced at no cost to the customer.

In some cases, a manufacturing defect incorrectly sealed the pyrotechnic gas-generator which, under certain circumstances, allows moisture into the propellant rendering it unstable.

Under normal driving conditions, the inflator poses no hazard to passengers, but in the event of a collision, the unstable charge can combust too violently causing the metal case to rupture.

The resulting shrapnel is a potential hazard to occupants of the vehicle and can cause serious injury.

To date almost all Japanese manufacturers have flagged models that are effected by the defective components, as well as some other car-makers including Mercedes, BMW and some General Motors brands.