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IT has become the biggest recall in the history of the automobile.
More than 50 million cars have now been officially recalled because of a potentially fatal flaw in airbags provided by Japanese supplier Takata.
More than 10 car manufacturers have been caught up in the recall which has been linked to at least six deaths and more than 100 injuries.
None, however, have been recorded in Australia, although more than 500,000 vehicles have now been recalled locally with no guarantees there won't be more to come.
How does this affect you? Here's everything you need to know about the recall.
Who is Takata?
The Japanese company is one of the world's biggest automotive part suppliers. It provides airbags, seat belts, steering wheels, electronics and other interior parts to many of the world's biggest car brands.
Some sources suggest the company could have as much as 25 per cent of the world's airbag market.
What is the problem?
Airbags work by firing an inflatable cushion out of the steering wheel or dashboard at high velocity in order to protect the occupants from hitting the hard surfaces of the car.
The problem for Takata is believed to centre around the explosive used to deploy the airbag - ammonium nitrate. It is sensitive to moisture and temperature changes.
According to reports the seals used by Takata are failing, allowing moisture into the airbag inflators. This can results in "over-aggressive combustion" which can cause the occupants of the car to be sprayed with metal fragments from the airbag mechanism.
How serious is the problem?
At least six deaths have been linked to the Takata recall. The first reported victim was an Oklahoma teenager, Ashley Parham, who was killed when she crashed her 2001 Honda Accord. She was hit in the neck with metal fragments and died of her injuries.
Her family sued Honda and Takata - both companies settled out of court.
Which car brands are impacted?
So far Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru and BMW have all been swept up in Takata's problem.
However, because not all of those models are sold in Australia only Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Chrysler, Mercedes and BMW have recalled cars here. (See below for detailed information on specific models)
How do I know if my car is affected?
Car companies will send letters to owners, as long as the car is still in the hands of the original owner. However, because the cars recalled are at least six years old most will have changed owners.
In that case, if you believe your car could be affected the best way to check is to visit the government website - www.recalls.gov.au - call your local dealer or the customer service hotlines for the respective brands. (See details below for customer service numbers)
What happens if my car needs new airbags?
Get it rectified as soon as possible. Because of the scope of the recall, it is anticipated that fixing so many cars could take years. Even in Australia it will likely take more than a year for the brands that have recalled more than 100,000 cars (Toyota, Nissan, Honda) to get through the required fix.
A lack of new airbags could also delay the process so the sooner you start the ball rolling the better.
Should I keep driving my car if it is on the list?
Safety authorities in the US have told motorists to keep driving their cars. That is partly because of the length of time required to fix so many vehicles.
But do so knowing the consequences of an accident could be serious.
List of cars affected by Takata recall in Australia
Echo: 2002-2005
Yaris: 2005-2007
Corolla: 2000-2007
RAV4: 2002-2005
Avensis: 2000-2007
SC430: 2001-2003
Micra: 2010-2011
Pulsar: 2001-2007
Navara: 2001-2007
Patrol: 2001-2007
X-Trail: 2001-2007
Maxima: 2001-2007
Jazz: 2004-2009
Civic: 2004-2005
CR-V: 2002-2008
Accord Euro: 2004-2007
Accord: 2003
MDX: 2003
Mazda6: 2002-2004
RX-8: 2002-2004
300C: 2006-2007
3-Series: 2002-2003
SL: 2014
SLK: 2014
Customer service: 1300 300 896
Sydney Morning Herald
