Last week, a follower who owns a 2016 Seat Leon reached out to me, sharing how difficult it has been to sell their car after replacing the faulty airbag under a voluntary recall earlier this year. They also highlighted the significant lack of awareness on this issue in our country.

Background on Takata Airbags

Since 2013, 20% of all vehicles manufactured globally have been equipped with airbags made by Takata Corporation. A critical manufacturing defect identified in these airbags has triggered worldwide recalls. The defect can cause metal fragments to be projected like shrapnel when the airbag deploys. This issue has resulted in over 30 fatalities and hundreds of injuries worldwide.

Recalls Overview

• Number of Affected Vehicles: As of January 2024, more than 100 million airbag inflators have been recalled globally.
• Affected Models: Over 20 brands, including Honda, Toyota, BMW, Ford, Nissan, Mazda, and GM, have dozens of models impacted by this recall. A full list can be found in the source linked below.

How to Check if Your Vehicle Is Affected

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Use the recall checker on the manufacturer’s website to find out if your vehicle is affected by this defect.
• Authorized Service Centers: The most reliable method is to take your car to an authorized service center for inspection.

If your vehicle has a faulty airbag, you can have it replaced free of charge under the recall. However, if the service center notifies you of the issue and you decline the replacement, you are required to sign a waiver stating that the manufacturer is not liable. This waiver is then sent to the relevant authorities and serves as legal protection for the manufacturer against future claims.

Addressing Prejudice and Challenges

Many owners face a dilemma between replacing the faulty airbag and maintaining the resale value of their car in the used market. Airbag replacements often create a perception of a "major accident history" among potential buyers, making the vehicle harder to sell.

However, if this information is widely disseminated, and proper documentation explaining the airbag replacement is presented during the sale, these challenges can be mitigated. Ultimately, addressing this life-threatening issue should always take precedence over concerns about resale value.

Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takata_Corporation