The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association (VAMA) has renewed its call for vehicle owners to bring their cars to authorized dealerships for free inspection and replacement of defective Takata airbag inflators, warning that the safety defect continues to pose a serious risk in the event of a crash.

In a statement issued on July 7, VAMA urged motorists to check whether their vehicles are included in the recall campaign and complete the replacement as soon as possible.

According to the association, member manufacturers have contacted customers through letters, phone calls, text messages, emails and dealer networks nationwide. However, the effectiveness of those outreach efforts has gradually declined over time.

As a result, tens of thousands of affected vehicles remain in use across Vietnam without having undergone the necessary safety repairs.

Multiple popular models affected

According to VAMA, affected models may include:

Toyota Vios, Yaris, Corolla Altis, and Lexus GX460 manufactured between 2004 and 2013.
Mitsubishi Pajero, Zinger, and Triton produced between 2007 and 2015.
Ford Ranger (2003–2011), Everest (2005–2013), and Mondeo (2008–2009).
Honda CR-V, City, Civic, and Accord built between 2008 and 2014.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204) and GLK (X204) manufactured from August 2007 to July 2015.

VAMA explained that vehicles covered by the recall are equipped with airbag inflators manufactured by Takata, which can deteriorate over time due to prolonged exposure to moisture.

If a collision causes the airbag to deploy, excessive pressure may build up inside the inflator, causing it to rupture.

In such cases, metal fragments from the inflator can be propelled through the deployed airbag at high speed, potentially causing severe or fatal injuries to drivers and passengers.

This risk has prompted one of the largest automotive safety recall campaigns ever conducted worldwide.

The association emphasized that the defect cannot be detected through visual inspection. Vehicles may continue to operate normally during everyday driving, and the problem can only be identified by checking the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the manufacturer's technical records.

Free replacement at authorized dealerships

VAMA said inspections and replacement of affected Takata airbag inflators are provided free of charge at authorized dealerships of member manufacturers.

Vehicle owners are not required to pay for either the replacement parts or the post-repair inspection.

The association also advised owners of older vehicles or second-hand cars to have their vehicles checked, as ownership changes may have prevented current owners from receiving official recall notifications.

Earlier in June, VAMA sent notices regarding the recall campaign to the National Competition Commission, provincial and municipal Departments of Industry and Trade, the Vietnam Register, and the Ministry of Construction.

More than 51,000 vehicles remain unrepaired

According to VAMA, the Takata airbag campaign is among the largest vehicle safety recalls in automotive history, affecting approximately 100 million vehicles from more than 30 automakers worldwide.

In Vietnam, around 137,000 vehicles are subject to the recall.

So far, more than 86,000 vehicles have undergone inspection and replacement of the defective airbag inflators, representing over 60% of affected vehicles.

However, approximately 51,000 vehicles - more than 30% of the total recall population - have yet to receive the necessary repairs.

VAMA also noted that the Takata airbag defect has been linked to 40 deaths and more than 400 injuries worldwide.

Pham Huyen