About 137,000 vehicles recalled in Vietnam over defective Takata airbags

The Vietnam National Competition Commission said it had received a request for support from VAMA to improve the effectiveness of the Takata airbag recall program.

According to VAMA, more than 86,000 vehicles, equivalent to around 60 percent of the affected units, have already undergone replacement under the recall program.

A total of five automotive brands in Vietnam are affected by the recall: Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz.

Among them, Honda and Toyota account for the largest number of affected models, with four models each, while the remaining brands have between two and three affected models.

Most of the recalled vehicles were manufactured between 2003 and 2015.

The Takata airbag defect has been widely regarded as one of the most serious crises in the history of the global automotive industry.

In affected vehicles, airbag inflators manufactured by Takata may deteriorate over time due to moisture exposure.

In the event of a collision, when the airbag deploys, the inflator can rupture or explode, sending metal fragments through the deployed airbag and increasing the risk of severe injury or even death for vehicle occupants.

In response, the Vietnam National Competition Commission has urged vehicle owners to proactively check whether their vehicles are subject to the recall and to contact manufacturers or authorized dealers for assistance.

All inspections and replacement of defective airbag inflators under the recall program are provided free of charge to customers.