How to Stay Safe from Buying Used Cars with Takata Airbags?

Introduction

The Takata airbags recall is the world’s largest automotive industry recall. It has affected more than 100 million vehicles globally. It is also the largest and most significant automotive recall in the Australian automotive history, with more than 3 million vehicles being recalled. Buying a used car with such a major safety defect can prove detrimental to you.

You should do your background research on the used car which you plan to buy and ensure it does not suffer with Takata airbag defect. You can start by getting a detailed car history report from REVS Check (http://www.revscheckreport.com.au/car-history-check) which can provide you details about the type of airbags used in the car and also other important aspects of the vehicle. You can get the detailed car history report either by providing the VIN number or registration number by paying a nominal fee. This will help you to make informed decision making while buying a used car.

Takata Airbags Design Defect

Takata, a Japanese manufacturer had defective airbags installed in more than 100 million cars globally. These airbags make use of ammonium nitrate for inflation, but the chemical degrades when exposed to moisture. In a typical case of malfunctioning of Takata airbags, the ammonium nitrate burns quickly which makes the canister to explode. This shatters shards of metal towards people seated in the car. This has resulted in 26 deaths and 266 serious injuries to passengers globally. Australia along with the U.S. and Malaysia are the key countries where the Takata airbags have misfired considerably. The defect lies in the airbag inflator and it is not necessary to replace the entire airbag to resolve the issues.

Which Cars are Most Affected?

Major car manufacturers like BMW, Honda, Chrysler, Ford, etc. have their cars affected by the Takata airbag defect. Cars over 6 years are most likely to be affected. Honda and Nissan cars have been the worst affected as they have highest rates of Takata airbag defect. Some of their cars were fitted with the alpha airbags which are the most badly affected by this defect and pose the highest level of risks for the car owners.

Whether you own a new or used car, if your car is affected by this defect, then you are eligible to get a replacement of your airbags free of cost. Hence, you need not worry about Takata airbag defect while buying a used car in the strictest terms. However, you need to be cautious and should try to avoid cars which have this defect in order to ensure your safety.

What Should You Do?

It is better to be safe than sorry while dealing with used cars with Takata airbag defect. You should be proactive and get a car history report from REVS Check to get detailed information on the type of airbags used in the car. You can also get information on other important aspects like encumbrance, stolen status, odometer reading, major damages sustained by the car, etc. from the detailed car history report.

You can also visit us at: Quick Revs / PPSR Check