Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi recall thousands of ‘grey imports’ in Australia

Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi have recalled a combined 2603 examples of a range of concessional import (commonly known as grey import) models, citing a potential fault with airbag propellant.

In the case of Toyota, the Japanese car giant is recalling 703 units across Celica, RAV4, Caldina, Supra, Corolla, MR2, and Vitz model names. The affected vehicles are stamped 1996 to 1999, but all included in this recall are likely to have reached Australia at later dates.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi is recalling 1884 units spanning Delica, FTO, Pajero, and RVR model names, dated between 1996 and 1999.

The recall notices, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, say: "Affected concessional import vehicles may be fitted with a Takata NADI 5-AT driver airbag inflator that could allow moisture to enter the unit and degrade the airbag propellant.

"If this occurs, the properties of the propellant may be changed so that the propellant does not react as intended during a collision, causing mis-deployment of the airbag."

"If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision, the airbag inflator could rupture, causing sharp metal fragments to enter the vehicle cabin at high speed, killing or injuring vehicle occupants.

The Toyota and Mitsubishi recall wording continues as:"There is also a risk that the airbag may underinflate in a collision and may not protect the driver as intended."

Honda's equivalent wording states: "There is also a risk that the defect could lead to slow deployment and not protect the driver as intended in a collision."

A full list of vehicle identification numbers for the 703 Toyota vehicles involved in the recall can be found here.

The 16 affected Honda vehicles and their identification numbers involved in the recall are available here.

Meanwhile, a full list of the 1884 Mitsubishi units and their vehicle identification numbers involved in the recall can be viewed here.

Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi advise affected owners to stop driving their vehicles immediately and to contact the manufacturers to have their cars fixed free of charge.

Toyota said affected owners contact their preferred dealership or Toyota Australia by calling the Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366 to organise an urgent inspection without any cost.

Toyota also specifies that owners who have removed/ replaced the original steering wheel/ horn pad, but still have possession of the original parts, are also requested to present these for repair free of charge.

Mitsubishi owners can contact an authorised dealer on 1800 931 811 and select option one to organise an urgent vehicle repair with replacement parts, free of charge.

Honda advised affected owners to contact any authorised Honda Service Centre to have their vehicles inspected for free. If the car is found to have an affected Takata airbag unit, a Honda representative will arrange a replacement inflator for free.

Owners can contact Toyota Australia by clicking here, while Honda Australia can be contacted on its website. Additionally, Mitsubishi owners can get in touch with the brand here.

Toyota explains this move as: "Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited (Toyota Australia) did not supply these vehicles to the Australian market. But in the interests of public safety, and being mindful of their responsibility as a corporate citizen, Toyota Australia has volunteered to repair of these vehicles free of charge."

Honda similarly states: "Honda Australia did not supply these vehicles to the Australian market. Local distributors are demonstrating extraordinary corporate citizenship in taking this recall action. In the interests of public safety Honda Australia is supporting the repair of these vehicles."

Mitsubishi also reiterates: "Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited did not supply these vehicles to the Australian market. Local distributors are demonstrating extraordinary corporate citizenship in taking this recall action. In the interests of public safety Mitsubishi Motors Australia has decided to recall these vehicles."

Ethan Cardinal graduated with a Journalism degree in 2020 from La Trobe University and has been working in the fashion industry as a freelance writer prior to joining Drive in 2023. Ethan greatly enjoys investigating and reporting on the cross sections between automotive, lifestyle and culture. Ethan relishes the opportunity to explore how deep cars are intertwined within different industries and how they could affect both casual readers and car enthusiasts.

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