The Reunion prefecture is launching an information campaign around the defective airbags with which certain vehicles, built between 1998 and 2019, are equipped. Drivers are advised to check if their car is affected, in order to have their airbag replaced.
It has been several years since the defective Takata airbag scandal came to light. However, some drivers may not yet be aware of the potential danger posed by this equipment. This is why the overseas prefectures, including that of Reunion Island, are launching an information campaign for motorists from January 20, 2025.
The aim is to inform as many drivers as possible of the potential danger represented by these airbags, so that they can have their vehicle checked if their vehicle is affected, and if so, have their equipment changed by a mechanic as soon as possible.
This information is in addition to various recall campaigns from manufacturers in recent years.
“(…) Overseas prefectures, in conjunction with the services of the Ministry responsible for Transport, are addressing overseas drivers in order to raise their awareness and encourage them to check if they are concerned, and to contact as quickly as possible, if necessary, a repairer/garage of the brand of their vehicle who will replace the defective airbags free of charge and unconditionally.
Reunion Prefecture
The prefecture lists several brands of vehicles which could be affected by Takata airbags and which have launched recalls to date: Audi, BMW, Citroën, Cupra, DS, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Seat, Skoda, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen…
If your vehicle was built between 1998 and 2019:
- check your mail or contact the manufacturer to check if you are concerned (information on https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/rappel-airbag-takata)
- If yes, contact a repairer/garage as soon as possible the brand of your vehicle to change the airbags;
Airbag repair is free and quick since it only requires the vehicle to be immobilized for less than half a day.
As a reminder, defective Takata brand airbags are present in many vehicles built between 1998 and 2019. However, this equipment can cause serious injuries, even death when the airbag is triggered, to the driver as well as to the front passenger. the car, due to a construction defect. While the airbag is supposed to reduce shock in the event of an accident, it projects metal fragments when the cartridge which allows the airbag to inflate bursts.
For a little less than ten years, these defective Takata airbags have caused at least 15 deaths, including 14 overseas, according to information from the Radio France investigation unit, published in a very comprehensive investigation. this January 8. Half of the victims drove Citroën C3 cars, but other brands are affected.
If the majority of victims are found overseas, it is because the humidity and heat characteristic of our climate increase the risks.
“For reasons of humidity and heat, vehicles traveling in overseas departments and regions are more exposed to this risk linked to the aging and deterioration of these airbags.”
Reunion Prefecture
These airbags manufactured by the Japanese manufacturer Takata have been singled out for ten years. Despite everything, vehicle recalls by manufacturers were late overseas, from 2021 only. C3 and DS3 drivers in Reunion were alerted again by Stellantis last November.
In Reunion, the Takata airbag was the cause of several accidents, including the fatal one of Emmanuelle Sauger, who lost her life at the wheel of her DS3 in Trou d'eau in September 2021.
