The Government has issued an immediate, compulsory recall of 50,000 vehicles across New Zealand fitted with faulty Alpha-type Takata airbags.
A further 257,000 vehicles require repairs of non-Alpha Takata airbags and will undergo "intensive monitoring", Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Kris Faafoi said on Wednesday afternoon.
Mr Faafoi said after a 40-day grace period, no affected new or used vehicles will be able to enter New Zealand.
There have been no injuries or deaths in New Zealand as a result of the faulty airbags.
Millions of airbags supplied by Takata in Japan contain nitrate, which causes a small explosion, inflating the airbag. A flaw means they can fail in a crash, sending fragments of metal into occupants of the vehicle.
In New Zealand, 450,000 vehicles are known to be affected by the recalls, and 100 million across the world.
The compulsory recall only affects Alpha-type Takata airbags, because, Mr Faafoi says, they present the highest risk.
The recall requires the airbags be replaced by December 2019.
The Government is urging vehicle owners to check their vehicle's airbags.
If your vehicle is affected by the recall, your vehicle supplier will contact you. They will arrange a free replacement of the airbag.
Information on product recalls is available here, with a helpful frequently asked questions resource here.
Newshub.
