An air bag fault which has caused a number of deaths… has sparked the largest-ever global car recall.

In Australia, more than half-a-million vehicles have already been recalled.

And the manufacturer of the air bag, now faces calls for a criminal investigation.

Melanie Williams reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The fault is horrific – metal shards fly out of the inflated bag, straight at the people inside.

In the US, six people have died and more than 100 have been injured.

So far, there’ve been no injuries or deaths here.

But the RACQ is worried.

Russell Manning, Technical and Safety Policy expert, RACQ: “This is a very rapidly evolving issue. So a lot of manufacturers may not know that they actually have an issue.”

Overnight, the air bag’s manufacturer, Takata, admitted the default was far more widespread than they initially said.

Media reports have been scathing.

Worldwide, 53 million cars have now been recalled.

The air bag issue isn’t new, with recalls starting back in 2008.

But since Takata’s admission of further fault, Toyota has recalled almost 200, 000 additional cars.

These are the car manufacturers currently affected.

They include Toyota, Nissan and Honda.

You’ll find a full list of which models, at qut-news-dot-com.

Authorities say it’s likely more makes and models will be added to the recall.

Russell White, road safety advocate: “Get onto your dealer and to get that car checked out, or get on the Australian website. But certainly I’d be getting it sorted out fairly quickly.”

The Australian Government recall website crashed today due to a flood of interest.

Melanie Williams QUT News.

More information

The following car models are affected by the Takata airbag recall.

If your vehicle is included on this list please visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website for full details.

MODEL

BMW 3 Series – E46

Chrysler LE 300 MY2005-2007

Honda 2001 Honda Civic Sedan
Honda 01-02YM Honda Accord Sedan
Honda Civic, CR-V & Jazz Passenger Front Airbag Module
Honda Jazz
Honda Accord Euro, CR-V, Civic & Jazz Passengers (front) SRS Airbag Inflator
Honda Jazz & CR-V Drivers (front) SRS Airbag Inflator
Honda Various Honda Motor Vehicles

Mazda Mazda 6 (GG/GY) Passenger Vehicles
Mazda Mazda 6 (GG/GY) &RX-8 (FE) Airbags

Nissan N16 Pulsar &Y61 Patrol Front Passenger Air Bag
Nissan N16 Pulsar, D22 Navara, Y61 Patrol, X-Trail Airbag Inflator
Nissan N16 Pulsar, Y61 Patrol, D22 Navara, A33 Maxima and T30 X-Trail vehicles

Toyota Corolla ZZE122 and Avensis Verso ACM20 Passenger-Side Front Airbag
Toyota Lexus SC430 Passenger-Side Front Airbag
Toyota Echo NCP1 – RAV4 ACA2
Toyota Corolla, Avensis Verso & Yaris Model Vehicles
Toyota ECHO & RAV4 Drivers Side Airbag Inflator

Mercedes-Benz SL & SLK Passenger Cars