The Guadeloupe Prefecture launched a comprehensive recall campaign on Wednesday, June 4, to “accelerate the removal” of defective Takata airbags in the archipelago, specifying that one in ten vehicles in circulation is “potentially dangerous.”
“We identified 40,000 cars still on the road with these airbags, (…) it’s huge,” said Xavier Lefort, the prefect of this overseas department, to Agence France-Presse. He added that around 20,000 vehicles still need their airbags replaced.
Due to a gas that deteriorates poorly, the faulty Takata airbags risk exploding , shooting metal fragments at the faces of drivers. Their degradation is accelerated in hot and humid climates, which makes regions like Guadeloupe particularly susceptible.
Since 2014, the scandal surrounding these airbags has shaken the automotive industry, forcing numerous manufacturers to immobilize hundreds of thousands of vehicles globally to replace these safety devices . Various automakers, including BMW , Toyota , Mercedes , and Volkswagen , are facing lawsuits related to this issue.
In Guadeloupe, the prefecture has set up a toll-free number (0-800-700-800) and launched a significant communication campaign to inform motorists about the dangers they face and to encourage them to have their airbags replaced. The authorities aim to “facilitate verification and appointment scheduling for replacement” of the equipment.
Highly Affected Brands: BMW and Volkswagen
In collaboration with the Guadeloupe Automobile Dealers Association, the prefecture has revealed a list of vehicles “subject to a current or upcoming recall campaign based on risk assessments conducted by the manufacturer.”
According to this list, 30 brands are affected, involving more than 200 models in Guadeloupe. The brands with the most hazardous models are BMW – with 26 models – and Volkswagen – with 21 models .
In April, the Chancellery requested the consolidation in Paris of all ongoing investigations into the consequences of these faulty airbags, especially those related to involuntary homicides .
A new death linked to the deployment of a defective airbag was recorded at the end of March in Guadeloupe. Prior to this announcement, the Ministry of Transport had counted 29 accidents resulting in eleven deaths overseas and one in mainland France.
The devastating impact of the Takata airbag crisis continues to escalate as authorities strive to mitigate risks and protect the lives of drivers and passengers. The urgency of this public safety initiative underscores the importance of manufacturers taking swift action to ensure the reliability and safety of their products. The collaboration between government officials and automotive manufacturers epitomizes a collective commitment to enhancing road safety and restoring consumer confidence in automotive safety technologies. Drivers must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing known risks to mitigate the dangers associated with defective airbag systems.