Is your imported car at risk? Check if it falls under recall in Australia

As we navigate the roads of our golden years, safety becomes an ever-more pressing concern.

It's not just about driving cautiously; it's also about ensuring our vehicles are in tip-top shape.

That's why the recent recall of thousands of 'grey imports' by automotive giants Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi demands our attention.


For those unfamiliar with the term, 'grey imports' are vehicles imported into Australia sold initially elsewhere by the manufacturer.

They're often sought after for their unique features or cost-effectiveness.

However, owning such a vehicle now comes with a significant safety alert.


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Due to faulty Takata airbags, thousands of grey imported vehicles have been recalled to Australia. Credit: iStock


The crux of the issue lies with the Takata airbag unit.

A fault that could allow moisture to seep into the airbag inflator has been identified.

This moisture can degrade the airbag propellant, which may cause the airbag to mis-deploy in a collision.


The consequences of this could be dire, with the potential for sharp metal fragments to be propelled into the vehicle cabin, posing a lethal risk to occupants.

The recall affects various models manufactured between 1996 and 1999, but many of these vehicles may have been imported later into Australia.

Toyota recalled 703 units across several model names, including Celica, RAV4, Caldina, Supra, Corolla, MR2, and Vitz.

Honda's recall includes 16 vehicles from models such as Accord, Civic, CR-V, Integra, Legend, and Logo.

Mitsubishi's recall is the largest, with 1884 units affected across models like Delica, FTO, Pajero, and RVR.

If you own an imported vehicle, it's crucial to check whether your car is affected by this recall.


The manufacturers have provided lists of the affected vehicles' vehicle identification numbers (VINs), which can be found through the links in the original recall notice.

Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi are urging owners of the recalled vehicles to cease driving them immediately and to contact the manufacturers to arrange for repairs, which will be carried out free of charge.

This is a commendable move by the companies, who, despite not being the original suppliers of these vehicles to the Australian market, are taking responsibility in the interest of public safety.

For Toyota owners, you can contact your preferred dealership or Toyota Australia directly by calling their Campaign Helpline.

Mitsubishi owners should contact an authorised dealer, and Honda owners are advised to visit any authorised Honda Service Centre for a free inspection and, if necessary, a free replacement inflator.
Tip
Mitsubishi owners can call 1800 931 811 (select option 1) to arrange a free, urgent repair with replacement parts at an authorised dealer.
Key Takeaways
  • Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi are recalling thousands of 'grey import' vehicles in Australia due to a fault with Takata airbag inflators.
  • The affected vehicles, made between 1996 and 1999, could experience moisture entering the airbag unit, degrading the fuel and potentially causing the airbag to misdeploy or explode.
  • Owners of the recalled vehicles are advised to stop driving their cars immediately and contact the manufacturers for a free and urgent repair.
  • Despite not originally supplying these vehicles to the Australian market, the local branches of Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi are demonstrating corporate responsibility by conducting these recalls for public safety.
Have you checked if your car is affected by any safety recalls? What steps would you take to ensure the safety of an imported car? Let us know in the comments below.
 

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