SAFETY RECALLS AND ALERTS

tAKATA aIRBAG inFLATOR RECALL …

A compulsory recall order has been issued for Alpha Type Takata airbags under the Fair Trading Act 1986.

Alpha airbag inflators are a subset of inflators in the wider global Takata airbag inflator recall. Alpha type airbags may fail in a crash and explode, sending fragments into occupants in the vehicle, causing serious injury and even death.

If your car has been affected by the compulsory recall, your car supplier will contact you. This may already have happened. They will arrange a free replacement of the airbag when it initiates recall action for your vehicle. Free means you won’t have to pay for replacement parts or labour.

Check if your car is affected: Rightcar.govt.nz (external link). You will need to know your licence plate or your vehicle identification number (‘VIN’) which is a unique 17 character serial number that can be found on your vehicle or in documentation (such as registration documentation).

If your vehicle is not currently under active recall, it is important to check again in the future as recall action may later be initiated for your car.

SEATBELTS SAFETY ALERT …

Have you retrofitted seatbelts into a modified motor-home, bus or van, or replaced frayed or damaged seatbelts in your vehicle? If so, this may apply to you.

NZ Transport Agency has issued a safety alert for seatbelts imported by BVL (Business Ventures Limited) and manufactured by Changzhou BWD. They advise that if you have this particular brand of seatbelt for your vehicle’s driver seat you should not drive your vehicle until a replacement is fitted. If they are fitted for passenger seats, do not let anyone use those seats until the belts are replaced.

If your vehicle is fitted with these seatbelts, NZTA advises you speak directly with the retailer you purchased them from or get in touch with BVL directly.